An Empirical Study into the Limitations and Emerging Trends of Six Sigma : Findings From A Global Survey

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma from the perspectives of Six Sigma experts. The authors developed an online global survey to gather viewpoints on Six Sigma and deployed the survey to 700 Six Sigma experts. An analysis is conducted on a sample of 307 Six Sigma experts (131 Master Black Belts, 101 Black Belts & 75 Green Belts) to understand the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma. This study identifies the top five limitations and emerging trends by continent, expert Six Sigma belt level, expert experience-wise and sector. Also, any perceptual differences highlighted between Six Sigma experts on these limitations / emerging trends based on continent, Six Sigma belt, experience and sector are also analysed. In authors’ knowledge and experience, this is the first global empirical study to analyse the limitations and emerging trends of Six Sigma. This study is relevant for practitioners because it identifies the limitations and emerging trends which will help in better implementation of Six Sigma in any organizational setting