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STEFANO BARONE

Six Sigma in small- and medium-sized enterprises: a Black Belt project in the Swedish steel industry

  • Autori: Barone, S; Doverholt, T; Errore, A; Lombardo, A
  • Anno di pubblicazione: 2014
  • Tipologia: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • Parole Chiave: SMEs; small- and medium-sized enterprises; Six Sigma methodology; Black Belt project; Black Belt education
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/97912

Abstract

Many big companies around the world have solid Six Sigma infrastructures and it is easy to find in literature successful case studies. Conversely, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) generally suffer lower attention in the literature. This happens because SMEs have only recently approached the methodology; they have weaker connection with the academia; or they do not rigorously pursue the frameworks. This paper is based on a Six Sigma project in a Swedish medium-sized company that produces steel tubes mainly for hydraulic applications. The project focused on the improvement of warehouse activities related to cutting processes. This Black Belt project was part of a Six Sigma education at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. The case study offers the opportunity to discuss general and specific issues that a SME faces in the implementation of the Six Sigma methodology and it contributes to connect academic debate to practical experience in industry.