An application of six sigma for SMEs: A case study

Abstract: Six Sigma is the concept of improving the quality by reducing process variations, making con-tinuous improvements, reducing defect rates and improving the processes. Initially, the concept of Six Sigma focused on defect reduction, cost reduction and value addition. Fundamentally the basic idea of Six Sigma is to improve the process-capability and making the process more relia-ble along with reducing wastes within industries. Evaluation the implication of applying Six Sigma over the small and medium-sized enterprises is the main purpose of this research work taking a particular case of automobile industries. In the present work, DMAIC methodology of Six Sigma is used to a small seat slider lock nut manufacturing unit to reduce the play issue in K2 seat slider lock in automobile units by reducing defects inherent in the process. After apply-ing Six Sigma methodology, it was found that manufacturing units could earn profits in terms of reducing the wastage as well as improving the quality standard of the product by controlling the play issue in seat slider lock nut mechanism. Result shows that with the application of Six Sig-ma, process, sigma level brought up to 5.53σ from 1.59σ by varying the seat slider lock nut di-mensions/size.

How to cite this paper

 Kaushik, P & Kumar, S. (2017). An application of six sigma for SMEs: A case study.Management Science Letters , 7(3), 145-152.

Refrences

Abdelhamid, T.S. (2003). Six Sigma in lean construction systems: opportunities and challenges. Pro-ceedings of the 11th annual conference for lean constructions, July 22-24, Blacksburg, Virginia, 65-83.
Biswas, S., & Chowdhury, B. (2016). Industrial Applications and Practices of Six Sigma – A Litera-ture Review. International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology, 3(3), 176–179.
Kaushik, P., Khanduja, D., Mittal, K., & Jaglan, P. (2012). A case study: Application of Six Sigma methodology in a small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprise. The TQM Journal, 24(1), 4-16.
Kaushik, P., & Khanduja, D. (2008). DM make up water reduction in thermal power plants using Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 67(1), 36–42.
Plotkin, H. (1999). Six Sigma: What it is and how to use it. Harvard management update, June edi-tion, 06-07.
Prasad, J. (2002). Six Sigma in bulb manufacturing. Productivity journal, 43(2), 192-195.
Raju, R. (2000). Reducing axle rejection using problem solving tools–a case study. Industrial Engi-neering Journal, 29(2), 24-29.
Savolainen, T., & Haikonen, A. (2007). Dynamics of organizational learning and continuous im-provement in Six Sigma implementation. The TQM Magazine, 19(1), 6–17.
Snee, R. D. (2004). Six–Sigma: the evolution of 100 years of business improvement methodolo-gy. International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 1(1), 4-20.
Srinivasan, K., Muthu, S., Devadasan, S. R., & Sugumaran, C. (2016). Six Sigma through DMAIC phases: a literature review. International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 17(2), 236-257.
Thomas, A., & Barton, R. (2006). Developing an SME based six sigma strategy. Journal of Manufac-turing Technology Management, 17(4), 417-434.
Wyper, B., & Harrison, A. (2000). Deployment of Six Sigma methodology in human resource func-tion: a case study. Total Quality Management, 11(4-6), 720-727.

Journals

MSL Volumes

Keywords

Authors

Countries

Management Science Letters

An application of six sigma for SMEs: A case study Pages 145-152 Download PDF

Add Reviews