Process Improvement in Software Companies: A Live Study at Motorola

Purpose - The study aims to show the successful application of Six Sigma in software companies for process improvement. Research design, data and methodology - A mixed methodology has been used which include both qualitative and quantitative research. In the qualitative research methodology part, a detailed and comprehensive literature study have been carried out. The literature study consists of articles, books, web materials, discussion forms and others. In the quantitative research methodology part, interviews have been conducted. Results - Six sigma is the practical application of a theoretical statistical measurement that equates to 3.4 defects per million opportunities -a position of practically zero defects for any process or service. Initially originating in Motorola Inc. in 1985 as a response to drastic quality improvement pressures from the threat of Japanese competition, it quickly gained many followers particularly G.E., Allied Signal, Ford Motor Company etc. and more recently attentions have shifted to service environments. There are still some problems and misconceptions existed about the applicability of Six Sigma in software companies. Conclusions - The paper concludes that Six Sigma can bring large benefits for software companies too. Furthermore, software companies have already started to implement Six Sigma approach, like Ericsson, Tata Consultancy Service, etc.