Six Sigma Pilot Project Selections Using an MCDM Approach

Abstract

Six sigma as a quality management tool is a useful method for achieving competitive advantage over rival companies in the competitive environment of both manufacturing and service enterprises. So successful implementation of six sigma project is very important for top managers, because many companies could not achieve expected results and even completely failed. In this article, we present a model for aiding top managers in selecting the most important appropriate business units for pilot testing of six sigma. For the evaluation of projects, reviewing the literature and decision team’s opinion, we defined six main criteria and relevant sub criteria for use in a MCDM project selection. Projects with maximum co-ordination with business strategic goals and maximum probability of success are prioritized and ranked by an AHP saaty method. Finally we applied the proposed model in a real-life scenario in one of the leading service companies in Iran to show the applicability of the model.

Keywords: Six Sigma; Analytical hierarchy process (AHP); MCDM