<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The current research study aimed to explore the utility of selected problem-solving tools and techniques in root-cause analysis to demonstrate their practical application. An experimental research design adopting a positivist empirical approach with a deductive strategy was followed to assess the effectiveness of a combined (8D &amp; Six Sigma) problem-solving approach in reducing a high defects rate of a mixer shower assembly line. A novel application of the 8D framework in combination with Six Sigma and other analytical tools was found highly effective in reducing the reject rate from 11.84% to 0.11%. Successful identification of the root cause led to the implementation of permanent corrective action ensuring a long-term stable assembly process. The research study provided a problem-solving framework that was found effective in resolving a complex problem and implementing long-term corrective action in an assembly production line. However, this framework can be used in other industries. The research study provides a solution to a high number of leak rejects in a sub-assembly where "O-seals" are used between mating parts. It also provides analytical tools that were found highly effective during the problem-solving process.</p></abstract>

The current research study aimed to explore the utility of selected problem-solving tools and techniques in root-cause analysis to demonstrate their practical application. An experimental research design adopting a positivist empirical approach with a deductive strategy was followed to assess the effectiveness of a combined (8D & Six Sigma) problem-solving approach in reducing a high defects rate of a mixer shower assembly line. A novel application of the 8D framework in combination with Six Sigma and other analytical tools was found highly effective in reducing the reject rate from 11.84% to 0.11%. Successful identification of the root cause led to the implementation of permanent corrective action ensuring a long-term stable assembly process. The research study provided a problem-solving framework that was found effective in resolving a complex problem and implementing long-term corrective action in an assembly production line. However, this framework can be used in other industries. The research study provides a solution to a high number of leak rejects in a sub-assembly where "O-seals" are used between mating parts. It also provides analytical tools that were found highly effective during the problem-solving process.

Structured problem solving: combined approach using 8d and six sigma case study

Engineering Management in Production and Services

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

{"article-title":"Structured problem solving: combined approach using 8d and six sigma case study"}

The current research study aimed to explore the utility of selected problem-solving tools and techniques in root-cause analysis to demonstrate their practical...

Structured problem solving: combined approach using 8d and six sigma case study

Data publikacji: 10 maj 2020

Zakres stron: 57 - 69

Otrzymano: 30 wrz 2019

Przyjęty: 30 sty 2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2020-0005

© 2020 Mithun Sharma, Shilpi Sharma, Sanjeev Sahni, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.