Title: Replication of a Six Sigma black belt case study: GEP box's paper helicopter experiment in a drone logistics scenario

Authors: Sean P. Goffnett; Andrew N. Paquet; Oliver M. Strong; Kevin P. McCarron

Addresses: Department of Marketing, Faculty of Logistics and Marketing, College of Business Administration, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA ' Faculty of Business Administration, College of Business Administration, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA ' Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer Science, College of Science and Engineering, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859, USA ' Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Information Systems, College of Business Administration Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI 48859, USA

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) have gained attention in business in recent years. Drones have demonstrated potential use in logistics operations, such as surveillance, inventory counting, order picking, and 'last-mile' delivery. Given the proliferation in potential uses of drones, it is no surprise companies are testing drone capabilities. This article presents a theoretical business case describing the Six Sigma DMAIC model applied in a logistics context involving drone capacity and reliability. Define, measure, analyse, improve and control are presented. This article builds on earlier studies on structuring Six Sigma projects. This service-related business case can be used for training and education purposes.

Keywords: distribution; drone; DMAIC; DOE; e-commerce; failure modes; FMEA; fulfilment; Gage R&R; logistics; repeatability; reproducibility; Six Sigma; unmanned aerial vehicle; warehousing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2019.099628

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2019 Vol.27 No.1, pp.17 - 65

Received: 24 Oct 2017
Accepted: 02 May 2018
Published online: 16 May 2019 *

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