Enriching Six Sigma Methodology by Means of Key Value-Creation Capabilities of Value Engineering: The Case of Iran-Khodro

Among creative problem solving methodologies, value engineering (VE) and six sigma (6σ), as two predominant approaches, have been implemented by organizations for years. This research has tried to enrich 6σ by means of the key value-creation capabilities of VE through a comparative study between distinctive aspects and advantages of VE in comparison to 6σ.To achieve this aim, the researchers held 10 exploratory interviews with VE and 6σ experts of Iran Khodro Company and analyzed them in a qualitative coding process (open coding, axial coding, and selective coding). The results of the research are 12 key concepts, 5 sub-categories, 3 categories and finally the model of “6σ, enriched by means of key value-creation capabilities and complementary tools of VE”. According to this model, 6σ projects can be enriched by “comprehensive thinking”, “fresh thinking” and “far-forward thinking”, three features of VE. This article explains how 6σ can be enriched by means of key value-creation capabilities and complementary tools of VE.