Title: Role of employee training on Six Sigma implementation's success: an empirical study

Authors: Anthony Bagherian; Mark Gershon; Vikas Swarnakar

Addresses: Vectrus Systems Corp., Patch Barracks, Building 2333, 70563, Stuttgart, Germany ' Temple University, 533 Alter Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, GE Road, Raipur-492010, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract: According to a study by distinct authors, nearly 60% of all corporate Six Sigma initiatives fail due to various and, nonetheless, inaccurate SS training provided to employees. The objective of this study is to investigate what elements of employee training contribute to the success of Six Sigma initiatives in the automotive industry. The present study used an explorative research questionnaire and approaches using a mixed-method research design. The study identified three essential key elements of training: 1) learning how to use the essential DMAIC tools; 2) appropriate use of metrics (PPM and Sigma level); 3) new employees should be trained in the utility of DMAIC. The practical implications of this study would support the institution, and practitioners, in incorporating these three elements into their employee training. This paper is an original contribution to the analysis of key elements of employee training in the automotive industry in Europe.

Keywords: Six Sigma; employee training; success factors; survey; factor analysis; automotive industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2022.124975

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2022 Vol.14 No.2, pp.247 - 278

Received: 23 Jul 2021
Accepted: 26 Oct 2021
Published online: 19 Aug 2022 *

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