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Development of Six Sigma methodology to improve grinding processes: A change management approach

Behrooz Noori (Department of Industrial Engineering, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran)
Mana Latifi (Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran)

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma

ISSN: 2040-4166

Article publication date: 5 March 2018

1690

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deploy the Six Sigma methodology to facilitate defect reduction and enhance the bottom-line results of an automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Six Sigma is a business process improvement strategy widely used in manufacturing field for enhancing organizational performance. Six Sigma enables the attainment of defects reduction. In this study, the Six Sigma methodology has been developed with the integration of change management tools.

Findings

Six Sigma has been successfully implemented in the grinding process in automotive engine manufacturing organization. The proposed Six Sigma methodology has been applied to facilitate defect reduction. The developed methodology with linkage of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and change management techniques reduces defects.

Research limitations/implications

The developed methodology has been implemented in an automotive industrial complex. In future, more number of studies could be conducted, i.e. for mistake proofing. Furthermore, advanced tools and techniques could be included in the methodology for increasing the effectiveness of change management.

Practical implications

The proposed Six Sigma methodology has been successfully implemented in a grinding process of automotive manufacturing organization; in future, the approach could be applied in different industrial sectors with addition of new tools and techniques for improving its effectiveness.

Originality/value

The Six Sigma methodology has been designed and implemented in the grinding process. Researchers have not treated Six Sigma in much detail in the automotive industry. Moreover, previous studies on Six Sigma have not dealt with the grinding process. Besides, most studies in the field of Six Sigma have focused only on DMAIC, but this study adds change management approach to DMAIC.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mr Javidmehr and Mr Dehghani for their contributions and information to the preparation of the paper. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments and suggestions given by anonymous referees.

Citation

Noori, B. and Latifi, M. (2018), "Development of Six Sigma methodology to improve grinding processes: A change management approach", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 50-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-11-2016-0074

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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