A Review of Six Sigma Approach: Methodology, Implementation and Future Research

Six sigma is an approach that improves quality by analyzing data with statistics. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the use and development of the six sigma methodology in manufacturing industry and others. It is high time to have a review on the six sigma approach. This paper reviews some related literatures to describe methodology, implementation and future researches. The present paper summaries four issues within the sub-category of the initial six sigma concepts: basic concept, DMAIC, DFSS and deployment. Then, some sectors that benefit from the implementation of six sigma are listed out, and the key factors influencing the successful six sigma project implementation are identified. At last, some topics for future research are presented.