Role of Human Knowledge and Communication on Operational Benefits Gained from Six Sigma

Jorge L. García-Alcaraz, Liliana Avelar-Sosa, Juan I. Latorre-Biel, Emilio Jiménez-Macías and Giner Alor-Hernández
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Jorge L. García-Alcaraz: Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Av. Del Charro 450 Norte, Col. Partido Romero, P.C. 32310 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Liliana Avelar-Sosa: Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Av. Del Charro 450 Norte, Col. Partido Romero, P.C. 32310 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Juan I. Latorre-Biel: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Energy and Materials, Universidad de Navarra, Avda. de Tarazona s/n, P.C. 31500 Tudela, Spain
Emilio Jiménez-Macías: Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad de La Rioja, C/San José de Calasanz 31, P.C. 26004 Logroño, Spain
Giner Alor-Hernández: Division of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba, Oriente 9, Emiliano Zapata Sur, P.C. 94320 Orizaba, Mexico

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Six Sigma (SS) is a production philosophy focused on human experiences and knowledge, aimed to minimize defects of products and services. The appropriate implementation of SS requires an education process, reliable data analysis, efficient didactic material, statistical techniques and human knowledge to improve communication and operational benefits. In this article, we present a structural equation model integrating those aspects as latent variables and relating them with ten hypotheses. Data for hypothesis validation were gathered among 301 manufacturing companies, and assessed using partial least squares (PLS) to estimate direct, indirect, and total effects. As results, we found that access to reliable information, trusted analysis and knowledgeable management are crucial for SS implementation at the problem definition stage. Likewise, to execute and control SS projects, it is important to be trained in statistical techniques through clear didactic materials.

Keywords: training; education; communication; six sigma; structural equation model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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