A mixed method approach to data collection for the development of a six sigma framework for Libyan Manufacturing Companies (LMCs)

This paper investigates the current quality management processes in use in Libyan Manufacturing Companies (LMCs), and proposes a methodology of mixed method approach to data collection to develop a novel six sigma framework. To date, there is no evidence of the use of six sigma in the Libyan manufacturing industry, and it is found that only 58 companies in Libya currently have ISO 9001 accreditation of which only 9 are manufacturing companies. This underutilisation of manufacturing systems such as six sigma is thought to be due to several barriers such as absence of performance measures, inadequate technical infrastructure, and lack of training programmes which have led to poor product quality and customer dissatisfaction. The research in this paper proposes a methodology of mixed method approach to data collection to identify the real reasons and barriers behind the lack of six sigma utilisation in LMCs and use this data to develop a framework for implementation to improve the quality and competitiveness of such companies.