Benchmarking the use of tools and techniques in the Six Sigma programme based on a survey conducted in a developing country

Purpose – Six Sigma program is an approach currently adopted by many companies, which involves a highly disciplined and guided process, in which applications of many different tools and techniques aim at generating a cycle of continuous improvement. In this sense, a survey‐based research was conducted in a developing country from which the aim of this paper is to identify and analyse the tools and techniques used in the stages of the DMAIC. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents parts of the results of a descriptive survey conducted by a postal questionnaire answered by more than 60 Six Sigma users. Specific results of tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma are compared with those prescribed in the literature. Findings – The results confirm the use of Six Sigma tools and techniques suggested by the literature. It also points out that Six Sigma needs to be supported by measurable and reliable data, and thus that the use of tools and techniques is indispensable to the use of the DMAIC. Research limitations/implications – This is not a probabilistic survey and, therefore, the generalisation is not feasible. Practical implications – The paper may assist either academic and practitioners when teaching, researching and applying tools and techniques in Six Sigma. Originality/value – This paper is one of the few published studies that report tools and techniques applied in Six Sigma programme in developing countries.