WHAT AHP/ANP CAN DO FOR SIX SIGMA? A SHORT LITERATURE SURVEY

Marcin Nakielski; Grzegorz Ginda; Chellappa Vigneshkumar

doi:10.7494/dmms.2025.19.7350

Authors

Marcin Nakielski PhD Student, AGH Doctoral School, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3793-8050
Grzegorz Ginda Faculty of Management, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2153-1858
Chellappa Vigneshkumar School of Design, The Hong-Kong Polytechnics University, Kowloon, Hong-Kong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1278-9606

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7494/dmms.2025.19.7350

Keywords:

AHP/ANP, Six Sigma, DFSS, Lean, application, potential

Abstract

Six Sigma offers a robust and widely applicable methodology for tackling practical decision-making challenges across various industries. Complementarily, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Analytic Network Process (ANP) provide a universal framework for decision support in diverse applications. Given their inherent strengths, these methodologies appear to be a natural fit. However, it remains uncertain whether this synergistic potential is fully leveraged within current Six Sigma practices and its derivative methodologies. This paper presents a comprehensive literature survey to ascertain the extent to which Six Sigma practitioners utilize AHP/ANP. The findings from this survey will then be used to identify current trends and highlight existing gaps in harnessing the full potential of AHP/ANP within the Six Sigma framework.

References

Bañuelas R. & Antony J. (2003). Going from six sigma to design for six sigma: An exploratory study using analytic hierarchy process. TQM Magazine, 15(5), pp. 334-344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09544780310487730.

Büyüközkan G. & Öztürkcan D. (2010). An integrated analytic approach for Six Sigma project selection. Expert Systems with Applications, 37(8), pp. 5835–5847. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2010.02.022.

Kuei C.-H., Madu C.N., & Lin C. (2011). Developing global supply chain quality management systems. International Journal of Production Research, 49(15), pp. 4457–4481. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2010.501038.

Pandey H., Garg D., & Luthra S. (2018). Identification and ranking of enablers of green lean Six Sigma implementation using AHP. International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 23(2), pp. 187–217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJPQM.2018.089156.

Saaty T.L. (2006). There is no mathematical validity for using fuzzy number crunching in the analytic hierarchy process. Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering, 15, pp. 457–464. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11518-006-5021-7.

Saaty T.L. & Vargas L.G. (2013). Decision Making with the Analytic Network Process. Springer.

Saaty T.L. & Vargas L.G. (2012). Models, Methods, Concepts & Applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Springer.

Singh M. & Rathi R. (2022). Empirical Investigation of Lean Six Sigma Enablers and Barriers in Indian MSMEs by Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approach. EMJ - Engineering Management Journal, 34(3), pp. 475-496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2021.1952020.

Su C.-T. & Chou C.J. (2008). A systematic methodology for the creation of Six Sigma projects: A case study of semiconductor foundry. Expert Systems with Applications, 34(4), pp. 2693–2703. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2007.05.014.

Tengtarto M.A.K., Singgih M.L., & Siswanto N. (2022). From 1904 to 2022: A Comprehensive Review of Six Sigma Methodology. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Intellectuals’ Global Responsibility (ICIGR 2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-052-7_69.

Vinodh S., & Swarnakar V. (2017). Industry 4.0: A survey on technologies, applications and open research issues. Journal of Industrial Information Integration, 6, pp. 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-12-2014-0041.

Yadav G. & Desai T.N. (2017). A fuzzy AHP approach to prioritize the barriers of integrated Lean Six Sigma. International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 34(8), pp. 1167–1185. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-01-2016-0010.

Yadav G., Seth D., & Desai T.N. (2018). Application of hybrid framework to facilitate lean six sigma implementation: a manufacturing company case experience. Production Planning and Control, 29(3), pp. 185–201. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2017.1402134.

Yadav G., Seth D., Desai T.N. (2018a). Prioritising solutions for Lean Six Sigma adoption barriers through fuzzy AHP-modified TOPSIS framework. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 9(3), pp. 270–300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-06-2016-0023.