Resumen de A research agenda for Six Sigma Research

Weiyong Zhang, Arthur V. Hill, Glenn H. Gilbreath

• Anecdotal evidence indicates that Six Sigma has produced improvements in several aspects for a wide variety of industries. Few research articles have investigated its effectiveness scientifically. The authors' critical analysis of the Six Sigma literature indicates that it is almost impossible to formally conceptualize Six Sigma. They identify five views of Six Sigma and find the program view, which emphasizes generating, selecting, resourcing, controlling and closing a portfolio of projects, strikes the proper balance between breadth and identifiability. Combining the program view's principles with the five core elements part of almost all Six Sigma programs produces eight important research questions. These questions can guide practical research into the effectiveness of Six Sigma.