Critical Success Factors for Six Sigma Deployment in Manufacturing Companies in Malaysia

Abstract

Since it was invented in Motorola in mid 1980s, many companies have adopted Six Sigma methodology as a means of quality and productivity improvement activities. However, not every company which deployed Six Sigma achieved desirable results. In this study, a survey was carried out at Malaysian companies which deploy Six Sigma to find out what are the critical success factors to Six Sigma implementation, and how the factors being practiced in the companies. A total of 42 survey questionnaires were sent out either by hand or email to Malaysian companies which are practicing Six Sigma. Thirty questionnaires was completed and returned. Survey results showed there are 12 critical success factors that deemed to be important for the success of Six Sigma deployment program in Malaysian manufacturing companies. They are: Management involvement and commitment, Deployment infrastructure, Training program, Linking Six Sigma to business strategy, Linking Six Sigma to human resources, Dedicated resources, Involving finance in Six Sigma, Reward and recognition program, Cultural change to data driven and learning organization, Linking Six Sigma to customer, Project selection and goal setting, and Linking Six Sigma to suppliers. However, only three out of the 12 critical success factors were found to be not significantly different in their Perception of Importance level and Actual Practice level. They are: Dedicate Resources, Deployment Infrastructure and Involving Finance in Six Sigma. Survey results also revealed that companies which deployed Six Sigma have shown significant improvement in key performance areas such as: Transformation of the company culture, Improvement on customer satisfaction level, Improvement on financial performance, Improvement on operational performance, Improvement on overall performance