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Title: Six-Sigma Quality in Small Businesses: A Genesis for Growth

Authors: Mustafa Yilmaz; Sangit Chaterjee

Addresses: Author address listing can be found in the "About the Authors" section at the end of the article.

Abstract: Six-sigma quality has become a common term for describing a production process of extremely robust quality; one that has very low variability compared with the tolerance limits specified for the product being manufactured. In addition to ensuring dependable quality, such a process also makes efficient use of resources and eliminates waste. Although it is commonly associated with large scale production systems, six-sigma quality is also a metaphor for excellence in managerial thought. In this paper, we discuss this metaphor from the viewpoint of small but growing businesses and argue that six-sigma way of thinking is not a luxury for a small business, but rather, a genesis for growth. This argument brings forth the importance of taking a systems view of a business regardless of its size, products, or services.

Keywords: Six-sigma quality; small businesses; production process; managerial thought; business growth.

DOI: 10.1504/JBM.1999.141057

Journal of Business and Management, 1999 Vol.6 No.2, pp.100 - 115

Published online: 05 Sep 2024 *