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Role of Human Knowledge and Communication on Operational Benefits Gained from Six Sigma

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge L. García-Alcaraz

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Av. Del Charro 450 Norte, Col. Partido Romero, P.C. 32310 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico)

  • Liliana Avelar-Sosa

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Av. Del Charro 450 Norte, Col. Partido Romero, P.C. 32310 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico)

  • Juan I. Latorre-Biel

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Energy and Materials, Universidad de Navarra, Avda. de Tarazona s/n, P.C. 31500 Tudela, Spain)

  • Emilio Jiménez-Macías

    (Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad de La Rioja, C/San José de Calasanz 31, P.C. 26004 Logroño, Spain)

  • Giner Alor-Hernández

    (Division of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Instituto Tecnológico de Orizaba, Oriente 9, Emiliano Zapata Sur, P.C. 94320 Orizaba, Mexico)

Abstract

Six Sigma (SS) is a production philosophy focused on human experiences and knowledge, aimed to minimize defects of products and services. The appropriate implementation of SS requires an education process, reliable data analysis, efficient didactic material, statistical techniques and human knowledge to improve communication and operational benefits. In this article, we present a structural equation model integrating those aspects as latent variables and relating them with ten hypotheses. Data for hypothesis validation were gathered among 301 manufacturing companies, and assessed using partial least squares (PLS) to estimate direct, indirect, and total effects. As results, we found that access to reliable information, trusted analysis and knowledgeable management are crucial for SS implementation at the problem definition stage. Likewise, to execute and control SS projects, it is important to be trained in statistical techniques through clear didactic materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge L. García-Alcaraz & Liliana Avelar-Sosa & Juan I. Latorre-Biel & Emilio Jiménez-Macías & Giner Alor-Hernández, 2017. "Role of Human Knowledge and Communication on Operational Benefits Gained from Six Sigma," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:10:p:1721-:d:113258
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Patricia Ordóñez de Pablos & Miltiadis Lytras, 2018. "Knowledge Management, Innovation and Big Data: Implications for Sustainability, Policy Making and Competitiveness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-7, June.
    2. Eva Nedeliakova & Maria Hudakova & Matej Masar & Lenka Lizbetinova & Renata Stasiak-Betlejewska & Peter Šulko, 2020. "Sustainability of Railway Undertaking Services with Lean Philosophy in Risk Management—Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-28, June.
    3. Ľubica Simanová & Andrea Sujová, 2022. "The Impact of Continuous Improvement Concepts on the Performance of Furniture Production Processes," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2022(1), pages 111-137.
    4. Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz & Giner Alor-Hernández & Cuauhtémoc Sánchez-Ramírez & Emilio Jiménez-Macías & Julio Blanco-Fernández & Juan I. Latorre-Biel, 2018. "Mediating Role of the Six Sigma Implementation Strategy and Investment in Human Resources in Economic Success and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-21, June.
    5. Rubén Jesús Pérez-López & María Mojarro-Magaña & Jesús Everardo Olguín-Tiznado & Claudia Camargo-Wilson & Juan Andrés López-Barreras & Julio Cesar Cano Gutiérrez & Jorge Luis Garcia-Alcaraz, 2022. "Planning, Execution, and Control of Operations in SC Activities—Baja California Manufacturing Case Study," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(19), pages 1-19, September.

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