SIX SIGMA READINESS INDEX (SSRI): A TOOL TO ASSESS SMES PREPAREDNESS FOR SIX SIGMA

摘要

The paper proposes a Six Sigma Readiness Index (SSRI) to assess the preparedness of smalland medium-size enterprises (SMEs) for Six Sigma. The SSRI was developed based on thefindings from a longitudinal study on Six Sigma implementation in the UK manufacturingSMEs using multiple case studies. The SSRI score is used to identify areas of strengths,weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the organization’s quality managementpractices. The cultural readiness and maturity to embark on Six Sigma were evaluated andtested in three SMEs.