Six Sigma quality: a structured review and implications for future research

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

Volumn 27, Issue 3, 2010, Pages 268-317

  Gamal Aboelmaged, Mohamed ^a  

^a AJMAN UNIVERSITY   (United Arab Emirates)

Author keywords

Lean production; Six Sigma; Supply chain management; Total quality management

Indexed keywords

EID: 84986078057     PISSN: 0265671X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1108/02656711011023294     Document Type: Review

References (415)

1. Adams, R., Warner, P., Hubbard, B. and Goulding, T. (2004), “Decreasing turnaround time between general surgery cases: a Six Sigma initiative”, Journal of Nursing Administration, Vol. 34 No. 3, pp. 140-8.
2. Agarwal, R. and Bajaj, N. (2008), “Managing outsourcing process: applying Six Sigma”, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 829-37.
3. Aggogeri, F. and Gentili, E. (2008), “Six Sigma methodology: an effective tool for quality management”, International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, Vol. 14 Nos 3/4, pp. 289-98.
4. Al-Aomar, R. (2006), “A simulation-based DFSS for a lean service system”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 349-68.
5. Al-Aomar, R. and Youssef, M. (2006), “Achieving Six Sigma rating in a system simulation model”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 190-206.
6. Al-Mishari, S. and Suliman, S. (2008), “Integrating Six-Sigma with other reliability improvement methods in equipment reliability and maintenance applications”, Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 59-70.
7. Amer, Y., Luong, L., Lee, S.-H. and Ashraf, M. (2008), “Optimizing order fulfilment using design for Six Sigma and fuzzy logic”, International Journal of Management Science and Engineering Management, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 83-99.
8. Amer, Y., Ashraf, M., Luong, L., Lee, S. and Wang, W. (2007), “A systems approach to order fulfilment using design for Six Sigma methodology”, International Journal of Business and Systems Research, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 302-16.
9. Anand, R., Shukla, S., Ghorpade, A., Tiwari, M. and Shankar, R. (2007), “Six Sigma-based approach to optimize deep drawing operation variables”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 45 No. 10, pp. 2365-85.
10. Anderson-Cook, C., Patterson, A. and Hoerl, R. (2005), “A structured problem-solving course for graduate students: exposing students to Six Sigma as part of their university training”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 249-56.
11. Andersson, R., Eriksson, H. and Torstensson, H. (2006), “Similarities and differences between TQM, Six Sigma and lean”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 282-96.
12. Antony, J. (2002), “Design for Six Sigma: a breakthrough business improvement strategy for achieving competitive advantage”, Work Study, Vol. 51 No. 1, pp. 6-8.
13. Antony, J. (2004a), “Six Sigma in the UK service organisations: results from a pilot survey”, Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 1006-13.
14. Antony, J. (2004b), “Some pros and cons of Six Sigma: an academic perspective”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 303-6.
15. Antony, J. (2006), “Six Sigma for service processes”, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 234-48.
16. Antony, J. (2007a), “Six Sigma: a strategy for supporting innovation in pursuit of business excellence”, International Journal of Technology Management, Vol. 37 Nos 1/2, pp. 8-12.
17. Antony, J. (2007b), “Is Six Sigma a management fad or fact?”, Assembly Automation, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 17-19.
18. Antony, J. (2008a), “Can Six Sigma be effectively implemented in SMEs?”, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 57 No. 5, pp. 420-3.
19. Antony, J. (2008b), “What is the role of academic institutions for the future development of Six Sigma?”, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 57 No. 1, pp. 107-10.
20. Antony, J. and Banuelas, R. (2002), “Key ingredients for the effective implementation of Six Sigma program”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 20-7.
21. Antony, J. and Fergusson, C. (2004), “Six Sigma in the software industry: results from a pilot study”, Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 19 No. 8, pp. 1025-32.
22. Antony, J., Antony, F. and Kumar, M. (2007a), “Six Sigma in service organizations: benefits, challenges and difficulties, common myths, empirical observations and success factors”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 294-311.
23. Antony, J., Banuelas, R. and Knowles, G. (2001), “Implementing Six Sigma”, IEEE Control Systems Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 181-5.
24. Antony, J., Douglas, A. and Antony, F. (2007b), “Determining the essential characteristics of Six Sigma black belts: results from a pilot study in UK manufacturing companies”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 274-81.
25. Antony, J., Kumar, M. and Labib, A. (2008), “Gearing Six Sigma into UK manufacturing SMEs: results from a pilot study”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 59 No. 4, pp. 482-93.
26. Antony, J., Kumar, M. and Madu, C. (2005), “Six Sigma in small and medium-sized UK manufacturing enterprises: some empirical observations”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 22 No. 8, pp. 860-74.
27. Antony, J., Downey-Ennis, K., Antony, F. and Seow, C. (2007c), “Can Six Sigma be the ‘cure’ for our ‘ailing’ NHS?”, Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 242-53.
28. Antony, J., Swarnkar, R., Kumar, M. and Tiwari, M. (2006), “Design of synchronised supply chain: a genetic algorithm-based Six Sigma-constrained approach”, International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 120-41.
29. Arnheiter, E. and Maleyeff, J. (2005), “The integration of lean management and Six Sigma”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 17 No. 1, pp. 5-18.
30. Arul, K. and Kohli, H. (2004), “Six Sigma for software application of hypothesis tests to software data”, Software Quality Journal, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 29-42.
31. Bandyopadhyay, J. and Jenicke, L. (2007), “Six Sigma approach to quality assurance in global supply chains: a study of United States automakers”, International Journal of Management, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 101-6.
32. Bandyopadhyay, J. and Lichtman, R. (2007), “Six Sigma approach to quality and productivity improvement in an institution for higher education in the United States”, International Journal of Management, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 802-8.
33. Banuelas, R. and Antony, J. (2003), “Going from Six Sigma to design for Six Sigma: an exploratory study using analytic hierarchy process”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 334-44.
34. Banuelas, R. and Antony, J. (2004), “Six Sigma or design for Six Sigma?”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 250-63.
35. Banuelas, R., Antony, J. and Brace, M. (2005), “An application of Six Sigma to reduce waste”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21, pp. 553-70.
36. Banuelas, R., Tennant, C., Tuersley, I. and Tang, S. (2006), “Selection of Six Sigma projects in the UK”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 514-27.
37. Basu, R. (2004), “Six Sigma to operational excellence: role of tools and techniques”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 44-64.
38. Bayle, P., Farrington, M., Sharp, B., Hild, C. and Sanders, D. (2001), “Illustration of Six Sigma assistance on a design project”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 341-8.
39. Beard, G. (2008), “Quality toolbox: improving clinical interventions through successful outreach using Six Sigma quality improvement”, Journal for Healthcare Quality, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 38-43.
40. Behara, R.S., Fontenot, G.F. and Gresham, A. (1995), “Customer satisfaction measurement and analysis using Six Sigma”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 9-18.
41. Bellows, W. (2004), “Conformance with specifications, zero defects and Six Sigma quality: a closer look”, International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 82-95.
42. Bendell, T. (2006), “A review and comparison of Six Sigma and the lean organizations”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 255-62.
43. Benedetto, A. (2003), “Adapting manufacturing-based Six Sigma methodology to the service environment of a radiology film library”, Journal of Healthcare Management, Vol. 48, pp. 263-80.
44. Bhatnagar, J. and Pandey, A. (2005), “HR metrics: HR Six Sigma in Indian organizations”, Management and Labour, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 327-56.
45. Biedry, J. (2001), “Linking Six Sigma analysis with human creativity”, Journal for Quality and Participation, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 36-8.
46. Biehl, R. (2004), “Six Sigma for software”, IEEE Software, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 68-70.
47. Bigio, D., Edgeman, R. and Ferleman, T. (2004), “Six Sigma availability management of information technology in the office of the Chief Technology Officer of Washington, DC”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 679-87.
48. Bisgaard, S. and Freiesleben, J. (2000), “Economics of Six Sigma programs”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 325-31.
49. Black, K. and McGlashan, R. (2006), “Essential characteristics of Six Sigma black belt candidates: a study of US companies”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 301-12.
50. Black, K. and Revere, L. (2006), “Six Sigma arises from the ashes of TQM with a twist”, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 19 Nos 2/3, pp. 259-66.
51. Bonilla, C., Pawlicki, T., Perry, L. and Wesselink, B. (2008), “Radiation oncology: Lean Six Sigma project selection based on patient and staff input into a modified quality function deployment”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 196-208.
52. Box, G. and Luceno, A. (2000), “Quality quandaries: Six Sigma, process drift, capability indices, and feedback adjustment”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 297-302.
53. Box, T. (2006), “Six Sigma quality: experiential learning”, S.A.M. Advanced Management Journal, Vol. 71 No. 1, pp. 20-3.
54. Brady, J. and Allen, T. (2006), “Six Sigma literature: a review and agenda for future research”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 335-67.
55. Brett, C. and Queen, P. (2005), “Streamlining enterprise records management with lean Six Sigma”, Information Management Journal, Vol. 39 No. 6, pp. 52-62.
56. Brewer, P. (2004), “Six Sigma helps a company create a culture of accountability”, Journal of Organizational Excellence, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 45-59.
57. Brewer, P. and Bagranoff, N. (2004), “Near zero-defect accounting with Six Sigma”, Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 67-72.
58. Brewer, P. and Eighme, J. (2005), “Using Six Sigma to improve the finance function”, Strategic Finance, Vol. 86 No. 11, pp. 26-33.
59. Buch, K. and Tolentino, A. (2006a), “Employee perceptions of the rewards associated with Six Sigma”, Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 356-64.
60. Buch, K. and Tolentino, A. (2006b), “Employee expectancies for Six Sigma success”, Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 28-37.
61. Bunce, M., Wang, L. and Bidanda, B. (2008), “Leveraging Six Sigma with industrial engineering tools in crateless retort production”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 23, pp. 6701-19.
62. Byrne, G. (2003), “Ensuring optimal success with Six Sigma implementations”, Journal of Organizational Excellence, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 43-50.
63. Byrne, G., Lubowe, D. and Blitz, A. (2007), “Using a Lean Six Sigma approach to drive innovation”, Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 5-10.
64. Camgoz-Akdag, H. (2007), “Total quality management through Six Sigma benchmarking: a case study”, Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 186-201.
65. Card, D. (2000), “Quality time – sorting out Six Sigma and the CMM”, IEEE Software, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 11-13.
66. Carnell, M. and Lambert, J. (2000), “Organisational excellence through Six Sigma discipline”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 18-25.
67. Carrigan, M. and Kujawa, D. (2006), “Six Sigma in health care management and strategy”, The Health Care Manager, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 133-41.
68. Caulcutt, R. (2001), “Why is Six Sigma so successful?”, Journal of Applied Statistics, Vol. 28 Nos 3/4, pp. 301-6.
69. Chakrabarty, A. and Tan, K. (2007), “The current state of Six Sigma application in services”, Managing Service Quality, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 194-208.
70. Chan, F., Swarnkar, R. and Tiwari, M. (2006), “Synchronisation issue of supply chains: a six-sigma constrained random search approach”, International Journal of Services Technology and Management, Vol. 7 Nos 5/6, pp. 552-67.
71. Chan, W., Chiu, W-T., Chen, W-M., Lin, M.-F. and Chu, B. (2005), “Applying Six Sigma methodology to maximise magnetic resonance imaging capacity in a hospital”, International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 321-30.
72. Chang, C.-M. and Su, C.-T. (2007), “Service process design and/or redesign by fusing the powers of design for Six Sigma and lean”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 171-91.
73. Chang, K. and Wang, F. (2008), “Applying Six Sigma methodology to collaborative forecasting”, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 39 Nos 9/10, pp. 1033-44.
74. Chappell, A. and Peck, H. (2006), “Risk management in military supply chains: is there a role for Six Sigma?”, International Journal of Logistics, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 253-67.
75. Chatterjee, A. (2003), “Innovating growth through ‘Six Sigma’: a strategic approach for combining robustness with flexibility”, Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 33-7.
76. Chen, K., Hsu, C. and Ouyang, L. (2007), “Applied product capability analysis chart in measure step of Six Sigma”, Quality and Quantity, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 387-400.
77. Chen, K., Lin, C. and Chen, S. (2008), “Applying Six-Sigma methodology in constructing the quick response of a case reporting system”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 381-98.
78. Chen, K., Lin, J. and Chang, C. (2005a), “Taiwan: improving radiography through application of Six Sigma techniques”, Journal for Healthcare Quality, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 44-52.
79. Chen, S., Chen, K. and Hsia, T. (2005b), “Promoting customer satisfaction by applying Six Sigma: an example from the automobile industry”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 21-33.
80. Cheng, J.-L. (2007a), “Comparative study of local and transnational enterprises in Taiwan and their implementation of Six Sigma”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 18 No. 7, pp. 793-806.
81. Cheng, J.-L. (2007b), “Six Sigma business strategy in Taiwan: an empirical study”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 1-12.
82. Cheng, J.-L. (2007c), “Six Sigma and TQM in Taiwan: an empirical study”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 7-19.
83. Cheng, J.-L. (2008), “Implementing Six Sigma via TQM improvement: an empirical study in Taiwan”, The TQM Journal, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 182-95.
84. Cheng, Y.-C., Hsu, Y.-W. and Ten, T.-M. (2008), “Using the Six Sigma system approach to reduce core process times at a manufacturing plant”, International Journal of Management, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 431-8.
85. Chung, Y.-C., Hsu, Y.-W. and Tsai, C.-H. (2008), “An empirical study on the correlation between critical DFSS success factors, DFSS implementation activity levels and business competitive advantages in Taiwan's high-tech manufacturers”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 595-607.
86. Cook, A., Patterson, A. and Hoerl, R. (2005), “A structured problem-solving course for graduate students: exposing students to Six Sigma as part of their university training”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21, pp. 249-56.
87. Coronado, R. and Antony, J. (2002), “Critical success factors for the successful implementation of Six Sigma projects in organisations”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 92-9.
88. Craven, E., Clark, J., Cramer, M., Corwin, S. and Cooper, M. (2006), “NewYork-Presbyterian hospital uses Six Sigma to build a culture of quality and innovation”, Journal of Organizational Excellence, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 11-19.
89. Cronemyr, P. (2007), “DMAIC and DMADV differences, similarities and synergies”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 193-209.
90. Cupryk, M., Takahata, D. and Morusca, D. (2007), “‘Crashing the schedule’ in DCS validation pharmaceutical projects with lean Six Sigma and project management techniques: case study and discussion”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 222-33.
91. Dahlgaard, J. and Dahlgaard-Park, S. (2006), “Lean production, Six Sigma quality, TQM and company culture”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 263-81.
92. Das, N., Gauri, S. and Das, P. (2006), “Six Sigma principles in marketing: an application”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 243-62.
93. Das, P. (2005), “Reduction in delay in procurement of materials using Six Sigma philosophy”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 645-56.
94. Das, S. and Hughes, M. (2006), “Improving aluminum can recycling rates: a Six Sigma study in Kentucky”, JOM, Vol. 58 No. 8, pp. 27-31.
95. Dasgupta, T. (2003), “Using the Six-Sigma metric to measure and improve the performance of a supply chain”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 355-66.
96. Davison, L. and Al-Shaghana, K. (2007), “The link between six sigma and quality culture: an empirical study”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 249-65.
97. De Feo, J. (2000), “Six Sigma: new opportunities for HR, new career growth for employees”, Employment Relations Today, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 1-6.
98. De Feo, J. and Bar-El, Z. (2002), “Creating strategic change more efficiently with a new design for Six Sigma process”, Journal of Change Management, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 60-80.
99. De Koning, H. and De Mast, J. (2005), “Grounding of Six Sigma's breakthrough cookbook: how to research a methodology?”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 263-75.
100. De Koning, H. and De Mast, J. (2006), “A rational reconstruction of Six-Sigma's breakthrough cookbook”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 766-87.
101. De Koning, H., Does, R. and Bisgaard, S. (2008a), “Lean Six Sigma in financial services”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 1-17.
102. De Koning, H., De Mast, J., Does, R., Vermaat, T. and Simons, S. (2008b), “Generic lean Six Sigma project definitions in financial services”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 32-45.
103. De Koning, H., Verver, J., Van Den Heuvel, J., Bisgaard, S. and Does, R. (2006), “Lean six sigma in healthcare”, Journal for Healthcare Quality, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 4-11.
104. De Mast, J. (2006), “Six Sigma and competitive advantage”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 455-64.
105. De Mast, J. (2007), “Integrating the many facets of Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 19 No. 4, pp. 353-61.
106. De Vore, K. (2008), “Six-Sigma approach to stability testing”, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Vol. 47 No. 2, pp. 413-21.
107. Dedhia, N.S. (2005), “Six Sigma basics”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 567-74.
108. Delsanter, J. (1992), “Six Sigma”, Managing Service Quality, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 203-6.
109. Desai, D. (2006), “Improving customer delivery commitments the Six Sigma way: case study of an Indian small-scale industry”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 23-47.
110. Desai, D. (2008), “Improving productivity and profitability through Six Sigma: experience of a small-scale jobbing industry”, International Journal of Productivity & Quality Management, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 290-310.
111. Doble, M. (2005), “Six Sigma and chemical process safety”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 229-44.
112. Does, R., Van Den Heuvel, J., De Mast, J. and Bisgaard, S. (2002), “Comparing non-manufacturing with traditional applications of Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 177-82.
113. Douglas, P.C. and Erwin, J. (2000), “Six Sigma's focus on total customer satisfaction”, Journal for Quality and Participation, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 45-9.
114. Dreachslin, J. and Lee, P. (2007), “Applying Six Sigma and DMAIC to diversity initiatives”, Journal of Healthcare Management, Vol. 52 No. 6, pp. 361-7.
115. Drenckpohl, D., Bowers, L. and Cooper, H. (2007), “Use of the Six Sigma methodology to reduce incidence of breast milk administration errors in the NICU”, Neonatal Network, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 161-6.
116. Echempati, R. and White, C. (2000), “Case study of hinge alignment problems: a Six-Sigma quality analysis”, Production and Inventory Management Journal, Vol. 41 No. 2, pp. 1-23.
117. Edgeman, R. and Dugan, J. (2008), “Six Sigma: from products to pollution to people”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 1-9.
118. Edgeman, R., Bigio, D. and Ferleman, T. (2005), “Six Sigma and business excellence: strategic and tactical examination of IT service level management at the office of the chief technology officer of Washington, DC”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 257-73.
119. Ehie, I. and Sheu, C. (2005), “Integrating Six Sigma and theory of constraints for continuous improvement: a case study”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 542-53.
120. Elberfeld, A., Bennis, S., Ritzius, J. and Yhlen, A. (2007), “The innovative use of Six Sigma in home care”, Home Healthcare Nurse, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 25-33.
121. Eldridge, N., Woods, S., Bonello, R., Clutter, K. and Ellingson, L. (2006), “Using the Six Sigma process to implement the centers for disease control and prevention guideline for hand hygiene in 4 intensive care units”, Gen. Intern. Med., Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. S35-S42.
122. Erlandson, P. (2006), “DFSS for shift quality using full-vehicle ADAMS model”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 337-48.
123. Fairbanks, C. (2007), “Using Six Sigma and lean methodologies to improve OR through-put”, AORN, Vol. 86 No. 1, pp. 73-82.
124. Fazzari, A. and Levitt, K. (2008), “Human resources as a strategic partner: sitting at the table with Six Sigma”, Human Resource Development Quarterly, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 171-80.
125. Feld, K. and Stone, W. (2002), “Using Six Sigma to change and measure improvement”, Performance Improvement, Vol. 41 No. 9, pp. 20-6.
126. Feng, Q. and Manuel, C. (2008), “Under the knife: a national survey of Six Sigma programs in US healthcare organizations”, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 535-47.
127. Ferng, J. and Price, A. (2005), “An exploration of the synergies between Six Sigma, total quality management, lean construction and sustainable construction”, International Journal Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 167-87.
128. Ferryanto, L. (2007), “Analytical design for Six Sigma for multiple response products”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 13-32.
129. Flott, L. (2000), “Six-Sigma controversy”, Metal Finishing, Vol. 98 No. 12, pp. 43-8.
130. Foster, T. (2007), “Does Six Sigma improve performance?”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 7-20.
131. Frank, S. (2003), “Applying Six Sigma to revenue and pricing management”, Journal of Revenue and Pricing Management, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 245-54.
132. Frankel, H., Crede, W., Topal, J., Roumanis, S., Devlin, M. and Foley, A. (2005), “Use of corporate Six Sigma performance-improvement strategies to reduce incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections in a surgical ICU”, Journal of the American College of Surgeons, Vol. 201 No. 3, pp. 349-58.
133. Freiesleben, J. (2006), “Communicating Six Sigma's benefits to top management”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 10 No. 6, pp. 19-27.
134. Freiesleben, J. (2007), “Can Six Sigma claim to be a generic strategy? Reassessing the competitive implications of quality improvement”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 248-65.
135. Friday-Stroud, S. and Sutterfield, J. (2007), “A conceptual framework for integrating Six-Sigma and strategic management methodologies to quantify decision making”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 561-71.
136. Frings, G. and Grant, L. (2005), “Who moved my sigma? Effective implementation of the Six Sigma methodology to hospitals”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 311-28.
137. Fuller, H. (2000a), “Observations about the success and evolution of Six Sigma at Seagate”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 311-15.
138. Fuller, H. (2000b), “Six Sigma for validation”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 749-55.
139. Furterer, S. and Elshennawy, A. (2005), “Implementation of TQM and lean Six Sigma tools in local government: a framework and a case study”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 16 No. 10, pp. 1179-91.
140. Gack, G. and Robison, K. (2003), “Integrating improvement initiatives: connecting Six Sigma for software, CMMI, personal software process, and team software process”, Software Quality Professional, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 5-13.
141. Ganesh, M. (2004), “Six Sigma: time for a reality check”, Customer Management, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 38-9.
142. Garg, D., Narahari, Y. and Viswanadham, N. (2004), “Design for Six Sigma supply chain”, IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 38-57.
143. Gerhorst, F., Gromping, U., Lloyd-Thomas, D. and Khalaf, F. (2006), “Design for Six Sigma in product development at Ford Motor Company in a case study on robust exhaust manifold design”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 278-91.
144. Gibbons, P. (2006), “Improving overall equipment efficiency using a lean Six Sigma approach”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 207-32.
145. Gijo, E. and Rao, T. (2005), “Six Sigma implementation – hurdles and more hurdles”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 721-5.
146. Glower, M. (2006), “Six Sigma: bringing it to your team”, Nurse Leader, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 44-6.
147. Goeke, R. and Offodile, O. (2005), “Forecasting management philosophy life cycles: a comparative study of Six Sigma and TQM”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 34-46.
148. Goel, S. and Chen, V. (2008), “Integrating the global enterprise using Six Sigma: business process reengineering at General Electric wind energy”, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 113 No. 2, pp. 914-27.
149. Goh, T.-N. (2001), “Information transformation perspective on experimental design in Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 349-55.
150. Goh, T.-N. (2002a), “A strategic assessment of Six Sigma”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 403-10.
151. Goh, T.-N. (2002b), “The role of statistical design of experiments in Six Sigma: perspectives of a practitioner”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 14 No. 4, pp. 659-71.
152. Goh, T.-N. and Xie, M. (2003), “Statistical control of a Six Sigma process”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 587-92.
153. Goh, T.-N. and Xie, M. (2004), “Improving on the Six Sigma paradigm”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 235-40.
154. Goh, T.-N., Low, P., Tsui, K. and Xie, M. (2003), “Impact of Six Sigma implementation on stock price performance”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 14 No. 7, pp. 753-63.
155. Goh, T.-N., Tang, L.-C., Lam, S.-W. and Gao, Y.-F. (2006), “Six Sigma: a SWOT analysis”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 233-42.
156. Gowen, C. III and Tallon, W. (2005), “Effect of technological intensity on the relationship among Six Sigma design, electronic business, and competitive advantage: a dynamic capability model”, Journal of High Technology Management Research, Vol. 16, pp. 59-87.
157. Gowen, C. III, Stock, G. and McFadden, K. (2008), “Simultaneous implementation of Six Sigma and knowledge management in hospitals”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 23, pp. 6781-95.
158. Graves, S. (2002), “Six Sigma rolled through-put yield”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 257-66.
159. Green, F. (2006a), “Six Sigma and the green belt perspective: a study in five companies”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 291-300.
160. Green, F. (2006b), “Six-Sigma and the revival of TQM”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 10, pp. 1281-6.
161. Green, F., Barbee, J., Cox, S. and Rowlett, C. (2006), “Green belt Six Sigma at a small company”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 179-89.
162. Gremyr, I. (2005), “Exploring design for Six Sigma from the viewpoint of robust design methodology”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 295-306.
163. Hagemeyer, C., Gershenson, J. and Johnson, D. (2006), “Classification and application of problem solving quality tools: a manufacturing case study”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 455-83.
164. Hahn, G. (2005), “Six Sigma: 20 key lessons learned”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 225-33.
165. Hahn, G., Doganaksoy, N. and Hoerl, R. (2000), “The evolution of Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 317-26.
166. Hahn, G., Hill, W., Hoerl, R. and Zinkgraf, S. (1999), “The impact of Six Sigma improvement: a glimpse into the future of statistics”, The American Statistician, Vol. 53 No. 3, pp. 208-15.
167. Haikonen, A., Savolainen, T. and Järvinen, P. (2004), “Exploring Six Sigma and CI capability development: preliminary case study findings on management role”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 369-78.
168. Hammer, M. (2002), “Process management and the future of Six Sigma”, IEEE Engineering Management Review, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 56-63.
169. Hamza, S. (2008), “Design process improvement through the DMAIC Six Sigma approach: a case study from the Middle East”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 35-47.
170. Han, C. and Lee, Y-H. (2002), “Intelligent integrated plant operation system for Six Sigma”, Annual Reviews in Control, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 27-43.
171. Hare, L. (2005), “Linking statistical thinking to Six Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 389-402.
172. Harjac, S., Atrens, A. and Moss, C. (2008), “Six Sigma review of root causes of corrosion incidents in hot potassium carbonate acid gas removal plant”, Engineering Failure Analysis, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 480-96.
173. Harrington, H. and Trusko, B. (2005), “Six Sigma: an aspirin for healthcare”, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 18 Nos 6/7, pp. 487-515.
174. Hasenkamp, T. and Olme, A. (2008), “Introducing design for Six Sigma at SKF”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 172-89.
175. Henderson, K. and Evans, J. (2000), “Successful implementation of Six Sigma: benchmarking General Electric Company”, Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 260-81.
176. Hendricks, C. and Kelbaugh, R. (1998), “Implementing Six Sigma at GE”, Journal for Quality and Participation, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 48-53.
177. Hensley, R.L. and Dobie, K. (2005), “Assessing readiness for Six Sigma in a service setting”, Managing Service Quality, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 82-101.
178. Hild, C., Sanders, D. and Cooper, T. (2000), “Six Sigma on continuous processes: how and why it differs”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 1-9.
179. Hilton, R., Balla, M. and Sohal, A. (2008), “Factors critical to the success of a Six-Sigma quality program in an Australian hospital”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 19 No. 9, pp. 887-902.
180. Ho, L.-H. and Chuang, C.-C. (2006), “A study of implementing Six Sigma quality management system in government agencies for raising service quality”, Journal of American Academy of Business, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 167-78.
181. Ho, S., Xie, M. and Goh, T. (2006), “Adopting Six Sigma in higher education: some issues and challenges”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 335-52.
182. Ho, Y., Chang, O. and Wang, W. (2008), “An empirical study of key success factors for Six Sigma green belt projects at an Asian MRO company”, Journal of Air Transport Management, Vol. 14 No. 5, pp. 263-9.
183. Hoerl, R. (1998), “Six Sigma and the future of the quality profession”, IEEE Engineering Management Review, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 87-94.
184. Hoerl, R. (2004), “One perspective on the future of Six Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 112-19.
185. Hoerl, R., Montgomery, D., Lawson, C., Molnau, W., Elias, R., Abraham, B., MacKay, J., Snee, R., Pyzdek, T., Hill, W., Breyfogle, F., Enck, D., Meadows, B. and Bailey, S. (2001), “Six Sigma black belts: what do they need to know?”, Journal of Quality Technology, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 391-435.
186. Holtz, R. and Campbell, P. (2004), “Six Sigma: its implementation in Ford's facility management and maintenance functions”, Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 320-9.
187. Hong, G. and Goh, T. (2003), “Six Sigma in software quality”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 364-73.
188. Hong, G. and Goh, T. (2004), “A comparison of Six Sigma and GQM approaches in software development”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 65-75.
189. Hsieh, C.-T., Lin, B. and Manduca, B. (2007), “Information technology and Six Sigma implementation”, Journal of Computer Information Systems, Vol. 47 No. 4, pp. 1-9.
190. Hsu, Y., Pearn, W. and Wu, P. (2008), “Capability adjustment for gamma processes with mean shift consideration in implementing Six Sigma program”, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 191 No. 2, pp. 516-28.
191. Hu, G., Wang, L., Fetch, S. and Bidanda, B. (2008), “A multi-objective model for project portfolio selection to implement lean and Six Sigma concepts”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 23, pp. 6611-25.
192. Hu, M. and Antony, J. (2007), “Enhancing design decision making through development of proper transfer function in design for Six Sigma framework”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 33-55.
193. Hu, M. and Pieprzak, J. (2005), “Using axiomatic design to improve conceptual design robustness in design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 245-62.
194. Hu, M., Barth, B. and Sears, R. (2005), “Leveraging Six Sigma disciplines to drive improvement”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 121-33.
195. Huq, A. (2006), “Six-Sigma implementation through competency-based perspective (CBP)”, Journal of Change Management, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 277-89.
196. Hutchins, D. (2000), “The power of Six Sigma in practice”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 26-33.
197. Hwang, Y.-D. (2006), “The practices of integrating manufacturing execution system and Six Sigma methodology”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 30 Nos 7/8, pp. 761-8.
198. Immaneni, A., McCombs, A., Cheatham, G. and Andrews, R. (2007), “Capital One banks on Six Sigma for strategy execution and culture transformation”, Global Business and Organizational Excellence, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 43-54.
199. Ingle, S. and Roe, W. (2001), “Six Sigma black belt implementation”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 273-80.
200. Ingram, D. (2000a), “Six Sigma and process validation strategies: a guide to using the tools and concepts of Six Sigma quality to support process validation efforts – part I”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 656-64.
201. Ingram, D. (2000b), “Six Sigma and process validation strategies – part II”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 756-65.
202. Ingram, D. (2000c), “Six Sigma and process validation strategies – part III”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 67-75.
203. Isaacson, G. (2008), “Six Sigma tympanostomy tube insertion: achieving the highest safety levels during residency training”, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 139 No. 3, pp. 353-7.
204. Jeffery, A. (2005), “Integrating organization development and Six Sigma: Six Sigma as a process improvement intervention in action research”, Organization Development Journal, Vol. 23 No. 4, pp. 20-31.
205. Jenicke, L., Kumar, A. and Holmes, M. (2008), “A framework for applying Six Sigma improvement methodology in an academic environment”, The TQM Journal, Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 453-62.
206. Jin, M., Switzer, M. and Agirbas, G. (2008), “Six Sigma and lean in healthcare logistics centre design and operation: a case at North Mississippi Health Services”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 270-88.
207. Johnson, A. (2002), “Six Sigma in R&D”, Research Technology Management, Vol. 45 No. 2, pp. 12-16.
208. Johnson, A. (2006), “Lessons learned from Six Sigma in R&D”, Research Technology Management, Vol. 49 No. 2, pp. 15-19.
209. Johnson, A. and Swisher, B. (2003), “How Six Sigma improves R&D”, Research Technology Management, Vol. 46 No. 2, pp. 12-15.
210. Johnson, J., Gitlow, H., Widener, S. and Popovich, E. (2006a), “Designing new housing at the University of Miami: a ‘Six Sigma’ DMADV/DFSS case study”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 299-323.
211. © black belt case study: GEP Box's paper helicopter experiment – part A”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 413-30.
212. © c study: GEP Box's paper helicopter experiment – part B”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 431-42.
213. Johnston, A., Maguire, L. and McGinnity, T. (2008), “Disentangling causal relationships of a manufacturing process using genetic algorithms and Six Sigma techniques”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 22, pp. 6251-68.
214. Johnstone, P., Hendrickson, J., Dernbach, A., Secord, A., Parker, J., Favata, M. and Puckett, M. (2003), “Ancillary services in the health care industry: is Six Sigma reasonable?”, Quality Management in Health Care, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 53-63.
215. Jung, J. and Lim, S.-G. (2007), “Project categorization, prioritization, and execution based on Six Sigma concept: a case study of operational improvement project”, Project Management Journal, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 55-60.
216. Juras, P., Martin, D. and Aldhizer, D. (2007), “Adapting Six Sigma to help tame the SOX 404 compliance beast”, Strategic Finance, Vol. 88 No. 9, pp. 36-41.
217. Kalamdani, R. and Khalaf, F. (2006), “Application of design for Six Sigma to manufacturing process design at Ford PTO”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 369-87.
218. Kanji, G. (2008), “Reality check of Six Sigma for business excellence”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 575-82.
219. Kapur, K. and Feng, Q. (2005), “Integrated optimisation models and strategies for the improvement of the Six Sigma process”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 210-28.
220. Kaushik, P. and Khanduja, D. (2008), “DM make up water reduction in thermal power plants using Six Sigma DMAIC methodology”, Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, Vol. 67 No. 1, pp. 36-42.
221. Kaushik, P., Grewal, C., Bilga, P. and Khanduja, D. (2008), “Utilising Six Sigma for energy conservation: a process industry case study”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 18-34.
222. Khalaf, F. and Yang, K. (2006), “Product development processes – from deterministic to probabilistic: a design for Six Sigma approach to lean product validation, Part II”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 18-36.
223. Kleasen, K. (2007), “Building human resources strategic planning, process and measurement capability: using Six Sigma as a foundation”, Organization Development Journal, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 37-41.
224. Klefsjo, B., Bergquist, B. and Edgeman, R. (2006), “Six Sigma and total quality management: different day, same soup?”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 162-78.
225. Klefsjö, B., Wiklund, H. and Edgeman, R. (2001), “Six Sigma seen as a methodology for total quality management”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 31-5.
226. Knowles, G., Johnson, M. and Warwood, S. (2004), “Medicated sweet variability: a Six Sigma application at a UK food manufacturer”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 284-92.
227. Knowles, G., Whicker, L., Femat, J. and Canales, F. (2005), “A conceptual model for the application of Six Sigma methodologies to supply chain improvement”, International Journal of Logistics, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 51-65.
228. Kovach, J. (2007), “Designing efficient Six Sigma experiments for service process improvement projects”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 72-90.
229. Kovach, J. and Cho, B. (2006), “A D-optimal design approach to robust design under constraints: a new design for Six Sigma tool”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 389-403.
230. Krishna, G. and Dangayach, G. (2007), “Six Sigma implementation at an auto component manufacturing plant: a case study”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 282-302.
231. Krishna, R., Dangayach, G., Motwani, J. and Akbulut, A. (2008), “Implementation of Six Sigma approach to quality improvement in a multinational automotive parts manufacturer in India: a case study”, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 264-76.
232. Kuei, C.-H. and Madu, C. (2003), “Customer-centric Six Sigma quality and reliability management”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 20 No. 8, pp. 954-64.
233. Kumar, M. (2007), “Critical success factors and hurdles to Six Sigma implementation: the case of a UK manufacturing SME”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 333-51.
234. Kumar, M., Antony, J., Antony, F. and Madu, C. (2007), “Winning customer loyalty in an automotive company through Six Sigma: a case study”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 849-66.
235. Kumar, M., Antony, J., Madu, C., Montgomery, D. and Park, S. (2008), “Common myths of Six Sigma demystified”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 878-95.
236. Kumar, M., Antony, J., Singh, R., Tiwari, M.K. and Perry, D. (2006), “Implementing the Lean Sigma framework in an Indian SME: a case study”, Production Planning and Control, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 407-23.
237. Kumar, S., Strandlund, E. and Thomas, D. (2008a), “Improved service system design using Six Sigma DMAIC for a major US consumer electronics and appliance retailer”, International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 36 No. 12, pp. 970-94.
238. Kumar, S., Wolfe, A. and Wolfe, K. (2008b), “Using Six Sigma DMAIC to improve credit initiation process in a financial services operation”, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 57 No. 8, pp. 659-76.
239. Kumar, U., Nowicki, D., Ramírez-Márquez, J. and Verma, D. (2008), “On the optimal selection of process alternatives in a Six Sigma implementation”, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 111, pp. 456-67.
240. Kumar, U., Saranga, H., Ramírez-Márquez, J. and Nowicki, D. (2007), “Six Sigma project selection using data envelopment analysis”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 419-41.
241. Kumi, S. and Morrow, J. (2006), “Improving self-service the Six Sigma way at Newcastle University Library”, Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 40 No. 2, pp. 123-36.
242. Kwak, Y.H. and Anbari, F.T. (2006), “Benefits, obstacles and future of Six Sigma approach”, Technovation, Vol. 26, pp. 708-15.
243. Ladani, L., Das, D., Cartwright, J., Yenkner, R. and Razmi, J. (2006), “Implementation of Six Sigma quality system in Celestica with practical examples”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 69-88.
244. Lanyon, S. (2003), “At Raytheon Six Sigma works, too, to improve HR management processes”, Journal of Organizational Excellence, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 29-42.
245. Laosirihongthong, T., Rahman, S. and Saykhun, K. (2006), “Critical success factors of Six-Sigma implementation”, International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 303-19.
246. Lee, K.-C. and Choi, B. (2006), “Six Sigma management activities and their influence on corporate competitiveness”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 7, pp. 893-911.
247. Lee-Mortimer, A. (2006), “Six Sigma: effective handling of deep rooted quality problems”, Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 200-4.
248. Lee-Mortimer, A. (2007), “Leading UK manufacturer probes the potential of Six Sigma”, Assembly Automation, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 302-8.
249. Li, M.-H., Al-Refaie, A. and Yang, C.-Y. (2008), “DMAIC approach to improve the capability of SMT solder printing process”, IEEE Transactions on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 126-33.
250. Li, M.-S. and Al-Refaie, A. (2008), “Improving wooden parts' quality by adopting DMAIC procedure”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 351-60.
251. Li, Y., Cui, Z., Ruan, X. and Zhang, D. (2006), “CAE-based Six Sigma robust optimization for deep-drawing process of sheet metal”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 30 Nos 7/8, pp. 631-7.
252. Lin, J., Tien, S. and Hsu, C. (2008), “The adoption of Six Sigma methodology to close learning-doing gap”, Journal of Statistics and Management Systems, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 49-64.
253. Linderman, K., Schroeder, R. and Choo, A. (2006), “Six Sigma: the role of goals in improvement teams”, Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 24, pp. 779-90.
254. Linderman, K., Schroeder, R., Zaheer, S. and Choo, A. (2003), “Six Sigma: a goal-theoretic perspective”, Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 21, pp. 193-203.
255. Lipscomb, B. and Lewis, A. (2004), “The principles of Six Sigma”, Risk Management, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 30-4.
256. Little, B. (2003), “Six Sigma techniques improve the quality of e-learning”, Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 104-8.
257. Liu, X., Wang, S., Qiu, J., Zhu, J., Guo, Y. and Lin, Z. (2008), “Robust optimization in HTS cable based on design for Six Sigma”, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, Vol. 44 No. 6, pp. 978-81.
258. Lloréns-Montes, F. and Molina, L.M. (2006), “Six Sigma and management theory: processes, content and effectiveness”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 485-506.
259. Lloyd, D. II and Holsenbach, J. (2006), “The use of Six Sigma in health care operations: application and opportunity”, Academy of Health Care Management Journal, Vol. 2, pp. 41-50.
260. Lok, P., Rhodes, J., Diamond, A. and Bhatia, N. (2008), “The Six Sigma approach in performance management to improve safety culture at work”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 151-71.
261. Lucier, G. and Seshadri, S. (2001), “GT takes Six Sigma beyond the bottom line”, Strategic Finance, Vol. 83, pp. 40-6.
262. Lupan, R., Bacivarof, I., Kobi, A. and Robledo, C. (2005), “A relationship between Six Sigma and ISO 9000:2000”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 719-25.
263. McAdam, R. and Evans, A. (2004a), “Challenges to Six Sigma in a high technology mass-manufacturing environment”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 699-706.
264. McAdam, R. and Evans, A. (2004b), “The organisational contextual factors affecting the implementation of Six Sigma in a high technology mass-manufacturing environment”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 29-43.
265. McAdam, R. and Lafferty, B. (2004), “A multilevel case study critique of Six Sigma: statistical control or strategic change?”, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 530-49.
266. McAdam, R., Hazlett, S. and Henderson, J. (2005), “A critical review of Six Sigma: exploring the dichotomies”, International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 51-174.
267. McCarty, T. and Fisher, S. (2007), “Six Sigma: it is not what you think”, Journal of Corporate Real Estate, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 187-96.
268. McClusky, R. (2006), “The rise, fall and revival of Six Sigma”, Measuring Business Excellence, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 6-17.
269. Mahanti, R. (2005), “Six Sigma for software”, Software Quality Professional, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 12-26.
270. Mahanti, R. and Antony, J. (2005), “Confluence of Six Sigma, simulation and software development”, Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 20 No. 7, pp. 739-62.
271. Mahanti, R. and Antony, J. (2006), “Six Sigma in software industries: some case studies and observations”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 263-90.
272. Mahesh, M., Wong, Y., Fuh, J. and Loh, H. (2006), “A Six Sigma approach for benchmarking of RP&M processes”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 31 Nos 3/4, pp. 374-87.
273. Maleyeff, J. and Kaminsky, F. (2002), “Six Sigma and introductory statistics education”, Education + Training, Vol. 44 No. 2, pp. 82-9.
274. Maleyeff, J. and Krayenvenger, D. (2004), “Goal setting with Six Sigma: mean shift determination”, Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Vol. 76 No. 6, pp. 577-83.
275. Malhan, I. and Rao, S. (2005), “Application of Six Sigma in libraries”, Managing Information, Vol. 12 No. 8, pp. 48-50.
276. Malliga, P. and Srinivasan, S. (2007), “The stock service improvement by the deployment of Six Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 103-19.
277. Man, J. (2002), “Six Sigma and lifelong learning”, Work Study, Vol. 51 No. 4, pp. 197-201.
278. Manikandan, G., Kannan, S. and Jayabalan, V. (2008), “Six Sigma-inspired sampling plan design to minimise sample size for inspection”, International Journal of Productivity & Quality Management, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 472-95.
279. Manual, D. (2006), “Six Sigma methodology: reducing defects in business processes”, Filtration and Separation, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 34-6.
280. Markarian, J. (2004a), “Six Sigma: quality processing through statistical analysis”, Plastics, Additives and Compounding, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 28-31.
281. Markarian, J. (2004b), “What is Six Sigma?”, Reinforced Plastics, Vol. 48 No. 7, pp. 46-9.
282. Marti, F. (2005), “Lean Six Sigma method in phase 1 clinical trials: a practical example”, Quality Assurance Journal, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 35-9.
283. Martin, D., Juras, P. and Aldhizer, G. III (2006), “Taming SOX costs with Six Sigma”, Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 13-22.
284. Mazzola, M., Gentili, E. and Aggogeri, F. (2007), “SCOR, lean and Six Sigma integration for a complete industrial improvement”, International Journal of Manufacturing Research, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 188-97.
285. Mekki, K. (2006), “Robust design failure mode and effects analysis in designing for Six Sigma”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 292-304.
286. Miles, E. (2006), “Improvement in the incident reporting and investigation procedures using process excellence (DMAIC) methodology”, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 130, pp. 169-81.
287. Mitra, A. (2004), “Six Sigma education: a critical role for academia”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 293-302.
288. Montgomery, D. and Woodall, W. (2008), “An overview of Six Sigma”, International Statistical Review, Vol. 76 No. 3, pp. 329-46.
289. Montgomery, D., Burdick, R., Lawson, C., Molnau, W., Zenzen, F., Jennings, C., Shah, H., Sebert, D., Bowser, M. and Holcomb, D. (2005), “A university-based Six Sigma program”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 243-8.
290. Moorman, D. (2005), “On the quest for Six Sigma”, The American Journal of Surgery, Vol. 189 No. 3, pp. 253-8.
291. Morgan, S. and Cooper, C. (2004), “Shoulder work intensity with Six Sigma”, Nursing Management, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 28-33.
292. Morusca, D. and Cupryk, M. (2005), “Lean Six Sigma for pharmaceutical projects: how pharmaceutical companies can minimize defects and increase value”, Journal of Validation Technology, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 164-76.
293. Motwani, J., Kumar, A. and Antony, J. (2004), “A business process change framework for examining the implementation of Six Sigma: a case study of Dow Chemicals”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 273-83.
294. Mukhopadhyay, A. and Ray, S. (2006), “Reduction of yarn-packing defects using Six Sigma methods: a case study”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 189-206.
295. Murugappan, M. and Keeni, G. (2003), “Blending CMM and Six Sigma to meet business goals”, IEEE Software, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 42-8.
296. Naslund, D. (2008), “Lean, Six Sigma and lean Sigma: fads or real process improvement methods?”, Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 269-87.
297. Neagu, R. and Hoerl, R. (2005), “A Six Sigma approach to predicting corporate defaults”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 293-309.
298. Neri, R., Mason, C., Demko, L. and Mazer, S. (2008), “Application of Six Sigma/CAP methodology: controlling blood-product utilization and costs”, Journal of Healthcare Management, Vol. 53 No. 3, pp. 183-95.
299. Ng, E., Tsung, F., So, R., Li, T. and Lam, K. (2005), “Six Sigma approach to reducing fall hazards among cargo handlers working on top of cargo containers: a case study”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 188-209.
300. Nonthaleerak, P. and Hendry, L. (2006), “Six Sigma: literature review and key future research areas”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 105-61.
301. Nonthaleerak, P. and Hendry, L. (2007), “Six Sigma action research in Thailand: a comparative study”, International Journal of Services Technology and Management, Vol. 8 No. 6, pp. 491-511.
302. Nonthaleerak, P. and Hendry, L. (2008), “Exploring the Six Sigma phenomenon using multiple case study evidence”, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 279-303.
303. O'Neill, M. and Duvall, C. (2005), “A Six Sigma quality approach to workplace evaluation”, Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 240-53.
304. Pan, J.-N. and Cheng, M.-Y. (2008), “An empirical study for exploring the relationship between balanced scorecard and Six Sigma programs”, Asia Pacific Management Review, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 481-96.
305. Pandey, A. (2007), “Strategically focused training in Six Sigma way: a case study”, Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 145-62.
306. Patterson, A., Bonissone, P. and Pavese, M. (2005), “Six Sigma applied throughout the lifecycle of an automated decision system”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 275-92.
307. Perng, C., Tsai, J.-T., Chiou, W.-C. and Wang, S.-L. (2008), “An application of Six Sigma to collaborative commerce capability assessment in enterprise implementation”, International Journal of Information Systems and Change Management, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 125-46.
308. Perry, L. and Barker, N. (2006), “Six Sigma in the service sector: a focus on non-normal data”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 313-33.
309. Pfeifer, T., Reissiger, W. and Canales, C. (2004), “Integrating Six Sigma with quality management systems”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 241-9.
310. Pheng, L. and Hui, M. (2004), “Implementing and applying Six Sigma in construction”, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Vol. 130 No. 4, pp. 482-9.
311. Pickrell, G., Lyons, H. and Shaver, J. (2005), “Lean Six Sigma implementation case studies”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 369-79.
312. Pojasek, P. (2003), “Lean, Six Sigma, and the systems approach: management initiatives for process improvement”, Environmental Quality Management, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 85-92.
313. Prabhushankar, G., Devadasan, S., Shalij, P. and Thirunavukkarasu, V. (2008), “The origin, history and definition of Six Sigma: a literature review”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 133-50.
314. Proudlove, N., Moxham, C. and Boaden, R. (2008), “Lessons for lean in healthcare from using Six Sigma in the NHS”, Public Money and Management, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 27-34.
315. Raisinghani, M., Ette, H., Pierce, R., Cannon, G. and Daripaly, P. (2005), “Six Sigma: concepts, tools, and applications”, Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 105 No. 4, pp. 491-505.
316. Rajagopal, R. and Castillo, E. (2007), “A Bayesian approach for multiple criteria decision making with applications in design for Six Sigma”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 58 No. 6, pp. 779-90.
317. Rajagopalan, R., Francis, M. and Suárez, W. (2004), “Developing novel catalysts with Six Sigma”, Research Technology Management, Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 13-16.
318. Rajamanoharan, I. and Collier, P. (2006), “Six Sigma implementation, organisational change and the impact on performance measurement systems”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 48-68.
319. Rao, K. and Rao, K. (2007), “Higher management education: should Six Sigma be added to the curriculum?”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 156-70.
320. Rasis, D., Gitlow, H. and Popovich, E. (2002a), “A fictitious Six Sigma green belt case study. I”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 127-45.
321. Rasis, D., Gitlow, H. and Popovich, E. (2002b), “A fictitious Six Sigma green belt case study. II”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 259-74.
322. Ravichandran, J. (2006), “Six Sigma milestone: an overall Sigma level of an organization”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 8, pp. 973-80.
323. Ravichandran, J. (2007), “Cost-based process weights for DPMO and the overall performance of an organization”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 442-53.
324. Ravichandran, J. (2008), “The performance of treatments in single-factor experiments using Six Sigma metrics”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 114-32.
325. Revere, L. and Black, K. (2003), “Integrating Six Sigma with total quality management: a case example for measuring medication errors”, Journal of Healthcare Management, Vol. 48 No. 6, pp. 377-91.
326. Revere, L., Black, K. and Huq, A. (2004), “Integrating Six Sigma and CQI for improving patient care”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 105-13.
327. Revere, L., Kadipasaoglu, S. and Zalila, F. (2006), “An empirical investigation into Six Sigma critical success factors”, International Journal of Productivity & Quality Management, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 224-52.
328. Ribardo, C. and Allen, T. (2003), “An alternative desirability function for achieving Six Sigma quality”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 227-40.
329. Ricondo, I. and Viles, E. (2005), “Six Sigma and its link to TQM, BPR, lean and the learning organisation”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 323-54.
330. Rudisill, F. and Clary, D. (2004), “The management accountant's role in Six Sigma”, Strategic Finance, Vol. 86 No. 5, pp. 34-41.
331. Rylander, D. and Provost, T. (2006), “Improving the odds: combining Six Sigma and online market research for better customer service”, SAM Advanced Management Journal, Vol. 71 No. 1, pp. 15-19.
332. Sadagopan, P., Devadasan, S. and Goyal, S. (2005), “Three Six Sigma transitions and organisational preparedness exercise today's imperatives for tomorrow's success”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 134-50.
333. Sahoo, A., Tiwari, M. and Mileham, A. (2008), “Six Sigma-based approach to optimize radial forging operation variables”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 202 Nos 1-3, pp. 125-36.
334. Sanders, D. and Hild, C. (2000a), “A discussion of strategies for Six Sigma implementation”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 303-9.
335. Sanders, D. and Hild, C. (2000b), “Common myths about Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 269-76.
336. Sanders, D. and Hild, C. (2000c), “Six Sigma on business processes: common organizational issues”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 603-10.
337. Sarkar, B. (2007a), “Capability enhancement of a metal casting processes in a small steel foundry through Six Sigma: a case study”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 56-71.
338. Sarkar, B. (2007b), “Designing sustainable strategies for continuous improvement deployment programme: lessons from a steel plant in India”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 352-76.
339. Savage, G. (2007), “Probability-constrained optimization as a tool for functional design for Six Sigma”, Quality Engineering, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 101-10.
340. Savage, G. and Son, Y. (2008), “Design-for-Six-Sigma for multiple response systems”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 5 Nos 1/2, pp. 39-53.
341. Savolainen, T. and Haikonen, A. (2007), “Dynamics of organizational learning and continuous improvement in Six Sigma implementation”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 1, pp. 6-17.
342. Schön, K. (2006), “Implementing Six Sigma in a non-American culture”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 404-28.
343. Schroeder, R.G., Linderman, K., Liedtke, C. and Choo, A. (2008), “Six Sigma: definition and underlying theory”, Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 536-54.
344. Sehwail, L. and De Yong, C. (2003), “Six Sigma in health care”, Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 1-5.
345. Sekhar, H. and Mahanti, R. (2006), “‘Confluence of Six Sigma, simulation and environmental quality: an application in foundry industries”, Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 170-83.
346. Senapati, N. (2004), “Six Sigma: myths and realities”, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 683-90.
347. Setijono, D. (2008), “DisPMO and DePMO as Six Sigma-based forward-looking quality performance measures”, The TQM Journal, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 588-98.
348. Shah, R., Chandrasekaran, A. and Linderman, K. (2008), “In pursuit of implementation patterns: the context of lean and Six Sigma”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 23, pp. 6679-99.
349. Shahabuddin, S. (2008), “Six Sigma: issues and problems”, International Journal of Productivity & Quality Management, Vol. 3 No. 2, pp. 145-60.
350. Shahin, A. (2008), “Design for Six Sigma (DFSS): lessons learned from world-class companies”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 48-59.
351. Shahin, A. and Alinavaz, M. (2008), “Integrative approaches and frameworks of lean Six Sigma: a literature perspective”, International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 323-37.
352. Shanmugam, V. (2007), “Six Sigma cup: establishing ground rules for successful Six Sigma deployment”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 77-82.
353. Sharma, U. (2003), “Implementing lean principles with the Six Sigma advantage: how a battery company realized significant improvements”, Journal of Organizational Excellence, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 43-52.
354. Smith, B. (1993), “Six Sigma design”, IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 30 No. 9, pp. 43-7.
355. Smith, L. and Phadke, M. (2005), “Some thoughts about problem solving in a DMAIC framework”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 151-66.
356. Snee, R. (2004), “Six-Sigma: the evolution of 100 years of business improvement methodology”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 4-20.
357. Sodhi, M. and Sodhi, N. (2005), “Tool kit – Six Sigma pricing”, Harvard Business Review, May, p. 135.
358. Sokovic, M., Pavletic, D. and Fakin, S. (2005), “Application of Six Sigma methodology for process design”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 162-163, pp. 777-83.
359. Stevenson, W. and Mergen, E. (2006), “Teaching Six Sigma concepts in a business school curriculum”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 751-6.
360. Stewart, R. and Spencer, C. (2006), “Six Sigma as a strategy for process improvement on construction projects: a case study”, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 339-48.
361. Su, C.-T. and Chou, C.-J. (2008), “A systematic methodology for the creation of Six Sigma projects: a case study of semiconductor foundry”, Expert Systems with Applications, Vol. 34 No. 4, pp. 2693-703.
362. Su, C-T., Chiang, T.-L. and Chang, C.-M. (2006), “Improving service quality by capitalising on an integrated lean Six Sigma methodology”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 1-22.
363. Su, C.-T., Chiang, T.-L. and Chiao, K. (2005), “Optimizing the IC delamination quality via Six Sigma approach”, IEEE Transactions on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 241-8.
364. Sudhahar, C., Kumar, R., Senthil, V., Devadasan, S. and Murugesh, R. (2008), “Web-based Six Sigma: a technique for zero defects manufacturing through global knowledge sharing”, International Journal of Process Management and Benchmarking, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 270-89.
365. Szeto, A. and Tsang, A. (2005), “Antecedents to successful implementation of Six Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 307-22.
366. Taghaboni-Dutta, F. and Moreland, K. (2004), “Using Six Sigma to improve loan portfolio performance”, Journal of American Academy of Business, Vol. 5 Nos 1/2, pp. 15-20.
367. Taner, M., Sezen, B. and Anthony, J. (2007), “An overview of Six Sigma applications in healthcare industry”, International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 329-40.
368. Tang, L., Goh, T.-N., Lam, S. and Zhang, C. (2007), “Fortification of Six Sigma: expanding the DMAIC toolset”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 3-18.
369. Tannock, J., Balogun, O. and Hawisa, H. (2007), “A variation management system supporting Six Sigma”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 18 No. 5, pp. 561-75.
370. Thakkar, J., Deshmukh, S. and Kanda, A. (2006), “Implementing Six Sigma in service sector using AHP and Alderfer's motivational model: a case of educational services”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 353-76.
371. Thawani, S. (2004), “Six Sigma – strategy for organisational excellence”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 15 Nos 5/6, pp. 655-64.
372. Thiele, R., Huffmyer, J. and Nemergut, E. (2008), “The Six Sigma approach to the operating room environment and infection”, Best Practice and Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 537-52.
373. Thirunavukkarasu, V., Devadasan, S., Prabhushankar, G., Murugesh, R. and Senthilkumar, K. (2008), “Conceptualisation of total Six Sigma function deployment through literature snapshots”, International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 97-122.
374. Thomas, A. and Barton, R. (2006), “Developing an SME-based Six Sigma strategy”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 417-34.
375. Thomas, A. and Lewis, G. (2007), “Developing an SME-based integrated TPM Six Sigma strategy”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 228-47.
376. Thomas, A., Barton, R. and Byard, P. (2008a), “Developing a Six Sigma maintenance model”, Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 262-71.
377. Thomas, A., Barton, R. and Chuke-Okafor, C. (2008b), “Applying lean Six Sigma in a small engineering company: a model for change”, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 113-29.
378. Thomas, M. and Singh, N. (2006), “Complexity reduction in product design and development using design for Six Sigma”, International Journal of Product Development, Vol. 3 Nos 3/4, pp. 319-36.
379. Thompson, J., Miller, T., Krantz, A. and Thomas, T. (2008), “Six Sigma engages physicians in achieving strategic performance improvement at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center”, Global Business and Organizational Excellence, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 6-20.
380. Tong, J., Tsung, F. and Yen, B. (2004), “DMAIC approach to printed circuit board quality improvement”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vol. 23 Nos 7/8, pp. 523-31.
381. Treville, S., Edelson, N., Kharkar, A. and Avanzi, B. (2008), “Constructing useful theory: the case of Six Sigma”, Operations Management Research, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 15-23.
382. Ung, S.-T., Bonsall, S., Williams, V., Wall, A. and Wang, J. (2007), “The application of the Six Sigma concept to port security process quality control”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 631-9.
383. Van Den Heuvel, J., Does, R. and De Koning, H. (2006), “Lean Six Sigma in a hospital”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 377-88.
384. Van Den Heuvel, J., Does, R. and Vermaat, M. (2004), “Six Sigma in a Dutch hospital: does it work in the nursing department?”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 419-26.
385. Van Den Heuvel, J., Does, R.J. and Verver, J.P. (2005), “Six Sigma in healthcare: lessons learned from a hospital”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 380-8.
386. Van Iwaarden, J., Van Der Wiele, T., Dale, B., Williams, R. and Bertsch, R. (2008), “The Six Sigma improvement approach: a transnational comparison”, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 46 No. 23, pp. 6739-58.
387. Vaughan, T. (1998), “Defect rate estimation for ‘Six Sigma’ processes”, Production and Inventory Management Journal, Vol. 39 No. 4, pp. 5-13.
388. Vestal, W. (2004), “Making the KM and Six Sigma connection”, Knowledge Management Review, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 24-7.
389. Vote, D. and Huston, J. (2005), “Six Sigma approach to improve surgical site infections: a key variable”, American Journal of Infection Control, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 167-8.
390. Walters, L. (2005), “Six Sigma: is it really different?”, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 221-4.
391. Wang, F., Du, T. and Li, E. (2004), “Applying Six Sigma to supplier development”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 15 Nos 9/10, pp. 1217-29.
392. Weinstein, L., Castellano, J., Petrick, J. and Vokurka, R. (2008), “Integrating Six Sigma concepts in an MBA quality management class”, Journal of Education for Business, Vol. 83 No. 4, pp. 128-233.
393. Wessel, G. and Burcher, P. (2004), “Six Sigma for small and medium-sized enterprises”, The TQM Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 264-72.
394. Wiklund, H. and Wiklund, P. (2002), “Widening the Six Sigma concept: an approach to improve organizational learning”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 233-9.
395. Woodall, T. (2001), “Six Sigma and service quality: Christian Grönroos revisited”, Journal of Marketing Management, Vol. 17 Nos 5/6, pp. 595-607.
396. Woodard, D.T. (2005), “Addressing variation in hospital quality: is Six Sigma the answer?”, Journal of Healthcare Management, Vol. 50 No. 4, pp. 226-36.
397. Woodard, D.T. (2006), “Addressing variation in hospital quality: is Six Sigma the answer?”, IEEE Engineering Management Review, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 25-31.
398. Wright, J. and Basu, R. (2008), “Project management and Six Sigma: obtaining a fit”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 81-94.
399. Wyper, B. and Harrison, A. (2000), “Deployment of Six Sigma methodology in human resource function: a case study”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 11 Nos 4/6, pp. 720-7.
400. Xue-Liang, P., Chao-Fang, P., Fa-Lin, Z. and Tong-Jun, G. (2007), “Six Sigma approach for build-time estimation for selective laser sintering”, International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 205-13.
401. Yang, C. (2004), “An integrated model of TQM and GE-Six-Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 97-111.
402. Yang, C. and Yeh, T.-M. (2007), “An integrated model of Hoshin management and Six Sigma in high-tech firms”, Total Quality Management and Business Excellence, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 653-65.
403. Yang, H., Choi, B., Park, H., Suh, M. and Chae, B. (2007), “Supply chain management Six Sigma: a management innovation methodology at the Samsung Group”, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 88-95.
404. Yang, K. (2004), “Multivariate statistical methods and Six-Sigma”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 1, pp. 76-96.
405. Yang, K. (2005), “Design for Six Sigma and value creation”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 1 No. 4, pp. 355-68.
406. Yang, K., Yeh, T., Pai, F. and Yang, C.-C. (2008), “The analysis of the implementation status of Six Sigma: an empirical study in Taiwan”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 60-80.
407. Yeh, D. (2007), “A decision process for Li-Ion battery suppliers selection based on the two-tuple fuzzy linguistic representation model and the Six Sigma DMAIC processes”, Asia Pacific Management Review, Vol. 12 No. 6, pp. 299-310.
408. Yeh, D., Cheng, C. and Chi, M. (2007), “A modified two-tuple FLC model for evaluating the performance of SCM by the Six Sigma DMAIC process”, Applied Soft Computing, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 1027-34.
409. Yeung, S. (2007), “Integrating ISO 9001:2000 and Six Sigma into organisational culture”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 210-27.
410. Yeung, V. (2007), “Six Sigma paradigm shift”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 317-32.
411. Yilmaz, M. and Chatterjee, S. (2000), “Six Sigma beyond manufacturing: a concept for robust management”, The Quality Management Journal, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 67-78.
412. Zaroukian, M. and Sierra, A. (2006), “Benefiting from ambulatory EHR implementation: solidarity, Six Sigma, and willingness to strive”, Journal of Healthcare Information Management, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 53-60.
413. Zhan, W. (2008), “A Six Sigma approach for the robust design of motor speed control using modeling and simulation”, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, Vol. 4 No. 2, pp. 95-113.
414. Zhang, W. and Xu, X. (2008), “Six Sigma and information systems project management: a revised theoretical model”, Project Management Journal, Vol. 39 No. 3, pp. 59-74.
415. Zu, X., Fredendall, L. and Douglas, T. (2008), “The evolving theory of quality management: the role of Six Sigma”, Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 630-50.