Improving the performance of organizational innovation processes by applying the Six Sigma methodology

The purpose of this paper is to integrate the concept of innovation management with the Six Sigma methodology, focusing on the impact analysis of the quality management principles on the organizational innovation processes. To achieve this objective, the DMAIC methodology was used – define (D), measure (M), analyze (A), improve (I) and control (C). Based on this methodology by introducing innovation in the improvement phase of the DMAIC model, we developed the model called DMAIC - IM (DMAIC - Innovation Management model). A case study related to the implementation of the DMAIC-IM Model was carried out within a company that produces and sells products for the automotive industry. Thus, the performances of the processes were measured, the obtained values were compared with the ideal values from a statistical point of view and the methods for eliminating the variations were identified. Also, the critical factors of the innovation success of organizations were analyzed resulting ways to remove the obstacles that lead to this success. According to the research results, the application of the Six Sigma methodology has a positive impact on the performance of the organizational innovation processes. The proposed solution has a set of indicators and can help organizations to improve their system of evaluating the innovation processes performances.