Six-Sigma project selection using national quality award criteria and fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making method

Six-Sigma is a tool of significant value in achieving operational excellence. The project selection decision is the early stage of implementation for a Six-Sigma intervention. The present study proposes national quality award criteria as the Six-Sigma project selection criteria, and proposes a hierarchical criteria evaluation process. The strategic criteria are evaluated by the management team using a fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making method. The sub-criteria which contain additional operational issues are evaluated by the Six-Sigma Champion. The proposed methodology is successfully applied in solving the project selection problem deriving from a component manufacturer. The results show that the higher a project's priority is, the greater the financial gains will be on completion of the project. Accordingly, the proposed methodology can prioritize the financial gain - which is the key performance indicator for a Six-Sigma project.