Six-Sigma™ implementation: Resource-based view perspective

Abstract

This study identifies and prioritizes enabling factors based on the different objectives of Six-Sigma implementation. Four categories of enabling factors were identified from the lens of Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory. Interviews with twenty-three Six-Sigma™ experts were carried out to answer the proposed research questions. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is then applied to prioritize the relative importance of the enabling factors (different types of resources needed) based on three expected outcomes of Six-Sigma™ implementation project. The results show that 'soft diamension' of resources is more important than the 'hard dimension' when financial benefits and company image are considered as the key expected outcome. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by evaluating and prioritizing enabling factors reflecting by grounded theory and expected outcomes at firm level from experts' experience. © 2011 IEEE.