A framework for Six Sigma initiatives

Nowadays, the exponential grow of Six Sigma programs arise several concerns and holes in the theory background of this quality approach. These concerns are argued by the increasing number of failing Six Sigma programs in all kind of industries. This thesis work is aimed to help to reduce the increasing number of failing Six Sigma initiatives by the introduction of an empirical framework expressed into a checklist shape, which will make a connection between best practices and theory foundations on the basis of an empirical research. Thus, here it is presented a checklist that covers the life-cycle of the Six Sigma programs: Readiness, Implementation, Execution and Results, under the name of Six Sigma initiative. Each phase has several questions aligned with the critical successful factors used in successful implementation and those establish by the practitioners. The final objective of the checklist is to be used as a tool to set the theoretical basic for a practitioner and help him/her to reduce the successfulness, uncertainty and increase the initiative performance.