Critical Success Factors of Six Sigma in Original Equipment Manufacturer Company in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the five critical success factors (i.e., top management involvement and commitment, training and education, teamwork, cultural change, and organizational infrastructure) on Six Sigma implementation in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) industry. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data are collected from 102 employees from a renowned OEM company in Malaysia. Multiple regression analysis is performed to test the research hypothesis. Findings – The results show that top management involvement and commitment, as well as training and education are independent and positively related to six sigma implementation. However, teamwork has a negative relationship with Six Sigma implementation. Practical implications – This study provides empirical evidence for critical success factors and their importance to Six Sigma adoption in OEM. The findings of this study provide a basis for the industrial practitioners to focus on top management involvement and commitment, as well as training and education in order to facilitate effective Six Sigma implementation. Originality/value – The critical success factors in relation to the Six Sigma implementation in the OEM industries are under-studied, in particular, within the Asian region. Our study adds to the total quality management literature. First, top management involvement and commitment, as well as training and education appear to be significantly related to Six Sigma implementation. Second, this study reveals the role of teamwork that inhibits successful Six Sigma implementation in the OEM industry.

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