Purpose – This paper introduces a new method to calculate a QFD matrix. Design/methodology/approach – One of the most prominent tools in QFD is the matrix. Matrices represent cause‐effect relationships. Matrices are well‐known in mathematics for representing linear mappings between...

Purpose – Six sigma for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is an emerging topic among many academics and six sigma practitioners over the last two to three years. Very few studies have been reported about the successful applications of six sigma in SMEs. The purpose of this paper...

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to highlight the application of six sigma, software engineering techniques and simulation to software development with a view to improving the software process and product. Design/methodology/approach – This paper attempts to integrate six sigma and...

Purpose – To provide a sound discussion on the Six Sigma methodology and see how it fits in with other quality initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual paper that takes at in‐depth look at the origins, pros and cons of Six Sigma and how it relates to some of the other...

Purpose – To eliminate many misconceptions regarding Six Sigma and lean management by describing each system and the key concepts and techniques that underlie their implementation. This discussion is followed by a description of what lean organizations can gain from Six Sigma and what Six...

Purpose – To provide a concise briefing on the most topical issues and relevant implications from the top 400 management publications in the world. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the argument...

Quality initiatives in the West have produced limited long‐term success compared with equivalent initiatives in Japan. Some claim that this is due to the absence of explicit links between strategy and operational initiatives. The paper aims to tests this claim and suggests an approach that...

In the decade since Tillery, Rutledge and Inman reviewed the treatment of quality management in leading US production and operations management (P/OM) textbooks, attention to quality, once the watchword and driving force in world business, has faded in both the practitioner and popular press....