Supply chain management six sigma: a management innovation methodology at the Samsung Group

Purpose – This paper seeks to introduce a six‐sigma based methodology for the SCM domain which was developed and has been used in Samsung.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a detailed description of how and why a six‐sigma‐based methodology for the SCM domain was developed in Samsung and presents a real industry case to illustrate the usage of the methodology.Findings – In Samsung, the effort and investment in synthesizing SCM and six sigma, and developing a unique six‐sigma‐based methodology to improve its SCM operation, have turned out to be fruitful. The Black Belt program has produced highly qualified and talented SCM specialists, who are currently training the methodology to members in their organizations and leading SCM projects. SCM projects are being prepared and conducted in a more disciplined way and their outcomes are continuously monitored and shared through the company's repository.Research limitations/implications – To generalize its usefulness, the methodology needs to be appl...