A Multilevel Framework of Six Sigma: A Systematic Review of the Literature, Possible Extensions, and Future Research

Abstract

This paper systematically reviews and synthesizes the academic research on Six Sigma and business performance. The authors track the development of this body of research based on the literature from 2000 to 2012 and synthesize various perspectives into a comprehensive multilevel framework linking leadership, Six Sigma dimensions (organizational and project levels), and performance outcome. The analysis also identifies a measurement model that consists of factors and constructs from the reviewed literature that may help assess the precise nature of the relationship between various dimensions of Six Sigma and business performance. The paper provides implications for practice and suggests new avenues for future research, which would take one to a higher level of understanding of the Six Sigma phenomenon.

• multilevel theory
• performance
• Six Sigma
• systematic review

Additional information

Notes on contributors

V. Arumugam

V. Arumugam is a doctoral candidate in operations management at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in management. He is a Senior member of ASQ and a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. His research publications have appeared in TQM Journal and International Journal of Production Economics, and various international conference proceedings. He is a practicing manager, and his professional experience includes manufacturing, operations, quality management, and continuous improvement. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

Jiju Antony

Jiju Antony is recognized worldwide as a leader in Six Sigma methodology for achieving and sustaining process excellence. He is a professor of quality management in the School of Management and Languages at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland. He founded the Centre for Research in Six Sigma and Process Excellence (CRISSPE) in 2004, establishing the first research center in Europe in the field of Six Sigma. He is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (UK), Fellow of the Institute for Operations Management (UK), Fellow of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), and a Fellow of the Institute of the Six Sigma Professionals. He is a Certified Master Black Belt and has authored more than 250 journal and conference papers and six textbooks. Antony is currently serving as the editor of the First International Journal of Lean Six Sigma launched in 2010 by Emerald Publishers.

Kevin Linderman

Kevin Linderman has bachelor's degrees in mathematics and philosophy from Minnesota State University, a master's degree in mathematics from Miami University, a master's degree in management science, and a doctorate in operations from Case Western Reserve University. He is a recipient of the Academy of Management Chan K. Hahn Distinguished Paper Award, the Graduate Dean's Instructional Excellence Award, and the Dean's Award for outstanding academic achievement. His research in quality management has been published in several leading journals including Quality Management Journal, Management Science, Journal of Operations Management, and Production and Operations Management, to name a few. He currently teaches quality management at the undergraduate, MBA, and doctorate levels and is actively engaged in research on quality management and innovation.