Six sigma project prioritization and selection methods: a systematic literature review

Purpose Given the critical role of project prioritization and selection process in Six Sigma efforts, this study aims to analyse the relevant literature to answer this question: What types of project prioritization and selection methods have been used in Six Sigma research? Design/methodology/approach The study implemented the systematic literature review (SLR) method to identify and review all relevant previous studies. Findings The study revealed that 59 articles focused on the topic used 111 methods, analytic hierarchy process appeared as the most frequently used method with 12 articles (20%) and one-third of the methods used in the current Six Sigma project selection literature contained multi-criteria decision-making methods. In total, 61% of 59 articles were not published in the journals ranked by the ABDC's list. Only 17% of the articles reviewed in this study were published in journals ranked as B category and 12% of the articles were published in A category journals. Practical implications The findings of this literature review may help Six Sigma practitioners and researchers accurately identify project prioritization and selection methods, considering that qualitative and quantitative scientific methods guarantee to make better decisions than "gut feelings" of the decision makers in this process. Originality/value Although a variety of studies focused on the topic, an SLR is lacking in the area of Six Sigma project prioritization and selection. Therefore, this study was constructed using the SLR method to analyse the topic.