Table 4 Linking Six Sigma research issues with theoretical perspectives

SSQI & TQM

Integration

X

X

X

X

X

Leadership

X

X

Fuzziness

X

X

Goal-orientation

X

X

Use of tools

Cross-functional orientation

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

“OR” vs. “AND” orientation

X

X

Training

X

X

X

X

X

X

Focus

X

X

SSQI Readiness Level

Strategic intent

X

X

Relationship with implementation success

X

X

Top Management Support

Role of top management

X

X

X

X

X

X

Rewards, penalties & motivation protocols

X

X

X

X

X

X

Choice of Appropriate Metrics

Integration & Aggregation

X

X

X

Theory development

X

X

X

Strategic & Operational Intent

X

X

X

Cross-functional collaboration

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Measure validation & relatedness

X

X

Constraints & Bottlenecks

X

Project Selection

Strategic cost-benefit analysis

X

X

X

X

Context dependence

X

Managing trade-offs

X

Project management

Team structure

X

X

X

Staffing, role definition and incentives

X

X

X

Knowledge management

X

X

Relationship with other quality management approaches

X

X

Key construct operationalization

X

X

X

X

X

Context dependence

Role of moderating variables

X

X

X

X

Process Design/Redesign

Conceptualizing DFSS

X

X

X

Comparison with Re-engineering

X

X

X

Ongoing improvement

Institutionalization

X

X

X

X

X

X

Hierarchy of measures and inter-relationship

X

X

X

Increasing/diminishing returns

Theoretical rationale

X

X

Contingent factors

X

X