SIX SIGMA PROGRAMS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES: LITERATURE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Carlos Henrique Mora Júnior, Edmilson Lima
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5329/RECADM.20100901002

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to describe the state of art of Six Sigma studies in small and medium enterprises (SME) and to make some research suggestions to enlarge the frontiers of knowledge about the theme. The methods applied are based on the systematic and organized review of literature using a variety of classifications, tables and graphics specifically developed to this study. Results highlight research needs related to Six Sigma programs in general in the SME context, but mainly related to these topics: the use of those programs as competitive strategy in SME, comparisons of their use in SME and big enterprises, empirical researches about their success factors in SME, implementation models of those programs in SME and conceptual studies on the implications and potentialities of Six Sigma in SME considering the particularities of those organizations. The conclusions invite readers to do researches about those themes and studies that consider the reality of Six Sigma in Brazilian SME.

 

 


Keywords

Six sigma programs; small and medium enterprises (SME); state of art; literature review

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