Essentials of D-phase to secure the competitive advantage through Six Sigma

Bikram Jit Singh and Dinesh Khanduja

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2012, vol. 5, issue 1/2, 35-51

Abstract: Present work is a conceptual paper that takes an in-depth look at the origins, advantages and disadvantages of Six Sigma and describes how it relates to some of the other quality initiatives in industry. DMAIC strategy of Six Sigma is briefly explained and realised the significance of define (D)-phase, specifically. Various prospects have been formulated to understand the reason of failure of Six Sigma particularly in SMEs and found that 'malfunctioning of define step' is one of the major reason among them. It highlights the framework for define phase and suggested a more applicable form of bifurcation as far as define tools and techniques are concerned. A road map for short listing the relevant define tools have been carpeted especially for academicians, industrialists and professional statisticians. A case study in a medium scale non-ferrous foundry has been conducted which has witnessed the effectiveness of suggested concept. The whole manuscript revolves around the initial step of DMAIC methodology of Six Sigma and uncovers various threats and hazards of skipping this phase. The simulated framework emphasises the D-phase only and falls short to discuss other four phases of the methodology and further generates a scope for future research.

Keywords: DMAIC; define measure analyse improve control; define phase; D-phase; CTQ; critical to quality; SIPOC; suppliers inputs process outputs customers; Six Sigma; Vilfredo Pareto; statistical analysis; Henry Gantt; bar charts; project schedules; project charters; casting defects; Cpk; process capability; quality initiatives; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; malfunctioning steps; define step; malfunctions; bifurcation; road maps; define tools; academicians; academics; industrialists; professional statisticians; non-ferrous foundries; Federal-Mogul; India; COPQ; cost of poor quality; sustained competitive advantage; global markets; business excellence. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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