A longitudinal study of the indicators and factors for successful six sigma deployment in the South African mining industry

Abstract

The Six Sigma deployment methodology is known for its results in operational excellence associated with improved business practices. Organisations worldwide have shown significantly reduced costs and increased profits when successfully deploying Six Sigma. This paper reports a longitudinal study of a set of indicators and success factors for Six Sigma deployment, using Lonmin PLC, a mining company in South Africa, as a case. The results suggest a shift of indicators from heartfelt personal involvement in 2006 to a mechanistic performance-based culture in 2010. Practical recommendations are made regarding the nine success factor components to be included during Six Sigma deployment.Die ontplooiing van die sogenaamde “Six Sigma”-metode het ’n bydrae gemaak tot bedryfsuitnemendheid deur verbeterde sakepraktyke aan te moedig in die bereiking van laer koste en verbeterde wins. Verslag word gedoen oor ’n versameling van sake-indikatore en suksesfaktore in ’n gevallestudie van ’n Suid-Afrikaanse mynmaatskappy. Voorstelle word gemaak oor die aanwending van nege suksesfaktore wanneer die “Six Sigma”-metode gebruik word.