Implementing Six Sigma within Kaizen events, the experience of AIDC in Taiwan

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a Six Sigma implementation within a Kaizen mechanism, how the Kaizen events and methodology evolved, as well as the critical success factors as the methodology developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper begins with a review of the literature on Six Sigma and its Kaizen factors, followed by an empirical study a Kaizen event framework that was developed for a Taiwanese firm.

Findings

The results of the Six Sigma system proposed in this paper show that each organization used a unique Kaizen mechanism when initiating a Six Sigma project. A Kaizen event within a Kaizen mechanism can be used to obtain valuable insights about Six Sigma implementations. Firms should be able to achieve better management decisions after conducting self-assessments using the model.

Originality/value

This paper provides documented evidence of Six Sigma implementations with Kaizen events flow units, representative of aerospace industry. This study should prove to be of a great value to academics, consultants, researchers, and practitioners of Six Sigma.

Citation

Cheng, L.J. (2018), "Implementing Six Sigma within Kaizen events, the experience of AIDC in Taiwan", The TQM Journal, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-02-2017-0017