A business process change framework for examining the implementation of six sigma: A case study of Dow Chemicals

Dow Chemical's implementation of six sigma is a well-documented success story. In a short course of about three years, Dow's six-sigma program has surpassed most expectations and goals of strategic and financial performance. Currently, the Dow's program has registered an impressive $1.5b savings since 1999. Furthermore, the program has been very effective in creating an environment for positive, powerful cultural change that is consistent with Dow's lofty global and human objectives. In this paper, a business process change framework is used to examine the factors that facilitated or inhibited the success of six-sigma quality efforts at the Dow Chemicals Company. The data for this study were obtained through interviews, questionnaire survey and archival sources. This work is expected to serve as a basis for evaluating the nature of the impact that six sigma implementation practices would have on a firm's performance.