Implementing Six Sigma in Saudi Arabia: An empirical study on the fortune 100 firms

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey that gathered evidence regarding the current status of Six Sigma adoption and implementation in Saudi Arabia. Although Six Sigma has become the focus of business for a quarter of a century, the philosophy has not gained the same attention in developing countries. Moreover, little academic research has been carried out on the extent of Six Sigma implementation in these countries. The study focuses on Six Sigma implementation among the fortune 100 manufacturing and service firms in Saudi Arabia since they represent the most important organisations operating in the country and could serve as an indicator for the extent of Six Sigma adoption. The results indicate that the rate of Six Sigma implementation is less than 32% of respondents. Reasons behind Six Sigma implementation, popularity of Six Sigma compared with other similar initiatives, Six Sigma implementation success factors, tools and techniques used, level of training, barriers and impediments in the implementation and benefits gained from implementation are investigated and compared with the literature. Moreover, the findings suggest that there is no significant difference in the level of most of Six Sigma practices between manufacturing and service firms which asserts that service firms recognise Six Sigma and are using it to boost performance