Six sigma project generation and selection: literature review and feature based method proposition

Abstract

The benefits of the Six Sigma approach are recognised since the 1990s and Six Sigma project selection is pointed out as being a key success factor in its implementation. Six Sigma project selection approaches have been proposed without exhausting the research. This study contributes in that direction, aiming to propose a method to carry out the generation and selection of Six Sigma projects. The methodological procedure used was systematic review of the literature. Research gap related to Six Sigma project selection were identified. The novelty of this paper is to present a review of literature not only about six sigma project approaches but also about six sigma project selection features. Additionally, this paper proposes an innovative method by the fact that it meets all the eight Six Sigma project selection approach recurring features found in literature. In doing so, this feature based method can assist management teams in charge of leading a Six Sigma initiative.