Can six sigma be effectively implemented in SMEs?

Six Sigma is a well-established approach that seeks to identify and eliminate defects, mistakes or failures in business processes or systems by focusing on those process performance characteristics that are of critical importance to customers. With more than two decades of successful implementation of Six Sigma methodologies at major corporations, the benefits of Six Sigma are well documented. Although Six Sigma has been implemented with success in many large corporations, there is still less documented evidence of its implementation in smaller organisations. Moreover, in the author's experience as a researcher and quality management consultant, SMEs are still not convinced that Six Sigma can be effectively implemented within SMEs. This article attempts to address this issue – can Six Sigma can be effectively implemented in SMEs? One of the common myths of Six Sigma that has emerged over the last few years is that it is just applicable to large corporations with immense resources and budget. The purpose of this article is to test this myth and to show that a Six Sigma-based business strategy is applicable to all kinds of businesses irrespective of the size and type of industry; manufacturing or service.