Six Sigma Programs: An Implementation Model

Despite the pervasiveness of Six Sigma program implementations, there is increasing concern about implementation failures. One reason many Six Sigma programs fail is because an implementation model on how to effectively guide the implementation of these programs is lacking. Using a successful Six Sigma program in a Network Technology company, the purpose of this research is to develop an effective implementation model which consists of six steps. The first step is to perform strategic analysis driven by the market and the customer. The second step is to establish a high-level, cross-functional team to drive the improvement initiative. The third step is to identify overall improvement tools. The fourth step is to perform high-level process mapping and to prioritize improvement opportunities. The fifth step is to develop a detailed plan for low-level improvement teams, and the sixth step is to implement, document, and revise as needed. Important for both practitioners and academicians, implications of our implementation experience along with directions for future research are provided.