Six Sigma Perspectives : In Academic World and Business Environment

Abstract: In beginning of 1980s, a majority of business sectors were suffering from high operating costs and inefficiencies which were a big loss to these sectors. These inefficiencies and lack of effectiveness were consequently producing high levels of customer dissatisfactions as well. Six Sigma culture has been predominantly inspired and affected by Japanese business culture with a focus on total customer satisfaction. This had turned out to be an alert to Motorola that was not famous for its arrogant attitude toward their customers. Motorola has been a pioneer in developing and applying Six Sigma within their operations and processes. Six Sigma has been initially introduced as a response to Motorola’s problems in the mid-1980s. [15]The reason for crediting the Japanese business culture at that time was mainly the Japanese growing sales power in global competitive market. With gained efficiency through proper engagement of all employees and simpler designs, Japanese could become more efficient with higher levels of quality. [15]Six Sigma initiators learned enough from Japanese competitors and their own learning to create their vision and framework. [15]However Six Sigma has been officially launched in Motorola for the first time in 1987. Six Sigma has shown to be a successful management strategy since first time introduction and implementation. [15]Six key components or main lines of work required for successful upgrading from a non-Six Sigma company to a company with Six Sigma culture are as it comes in the following lines: Six Sigma cultural renovation, reward and credit system, training, unified measurement system, facilitators, communication and senior executive commitment. [15]Six Sigma is a wide covering issue that covers different aspects and sectors of a company. Six Sigma is considered as a project based strategy. [31]Framework for a Six Sigma organization is very important for them to start the journey in order to become a Six Sigma organization. In the establishment process of Six Sigma although it is necessary to use appropriate tools and techniques, it is also required to benefit from a comprehensive training system provided for everyone in the organization. [31]Hence, by proper application of quality management tools and statistical methods, Six Sigma is to remove source of errors and reduce variability in process outputs to a certain level. Variability can either be in business or production processes.However, nowadays, companies are using different Six Sigma training systems to better establish this strategy within their business. The implementation process is enabled with appropriate and relevant tool box with proper frame work and measurement techniques.2The issue is that the definition and application of Six Sigma in different sectors and companies may differ. This is a source of a controversy in this field area. Also the academic perspective towards Six Sigma may differ from the business perspective.In order to investigate these claims, we will try to collect definitions, methods and techniques by literature review and being used by different abovementioned parties to make a comparison between these perspectives.