Assessing the status of six sigma implementation in the Indian industry: Results from an exploratory empirical study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of six sigma status in the Indian industry and underrepresented region of investigation on six sigma implementation. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire which applied in the UK industry is applied in India. The survey is adapted so that it is suitable to Indian industry. The results of the study are based on descriptive statistics. Findings The results of this empirical study reflect the reasons for application of six sigma by Indian organizations, the most and least commonly used tools and techniques, critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of six sigma, and common impediments in the implementation. Research limitations/implications This study was carried out with some boundaries such as the number of companies surveyed, time and budget constraints. Moreover, a detailed understanding of the status of six sigma applications in Indian industry by means of semistructured interviews could not be executed due to above constraints. Originality/value Very little research has been carried out relating to the status of six sigma implementation in the Indian industry. This paper will provide value to academics, practitioners of six sigma and those researchers who are involved in six sigma research.