A Competency Model for Assessing Six-sigma Implementation Readiness

Abstract

There is a hole in six-sigma literature as to what kind of competency is required to implement six-sigma, although six-sigma has been around for more than twenty years no framework has been developed to address this important research question. A framework for determining six-sigma competency, as it relates to leadership, workforce, organizational capability, data integrity, goal-setting, and above all experience in cohesive implementation of large scale process development projects will not only help companies to determine their readiness to adopt six-sigma, it will also help companies plan, design, launch, and implement six-sigma in future. The focus of this paper is on strategic decision making for sixsigma adoption, specifically, the route that companies must follow to assess their six-sigma readiness. The general six-sigma implementation model DMAIC does not address the competency issues, we propose a new model that will not only help companies & organizations to assess their six-sigma readiness, it will also help them build competency. To test the proposed model we look at two companies, one where six-sigma was successfully implemented and the other where six-sigma was a failed attempt. The paper traces the strategic, tactical, and control decision making process followed at both the companies. Findings from these company studies validate the proposed competency model.