Six Sigma

Abstract

Quality management has become one of the key aspects of management in the 21st century, especially in the context of global competition and the immense technological revolution. Companies and institutions now compete to provide the highest quality products and services, including libraries and information centers, which strive to improve the quality of services and outputs they offer to their users in accordance with international standards and specifications. There are numerous and diverse performance evaluation and improvement standards, with the Six Sigma methodology being one of the most well-known modern management concepts. This methodology focuses on total quality management that ensures the highest level of quality in institutional processes. It was first introduced by the American company "Motorola" in the early 1980s and has since gained widespread popularity after proving highly effective in helping institutions deliver defect-free services that meet the needs and desires of their users. Six Sigma is not just a method for improvement, but a comprehensive approach that brings institutions closer to perfection in enhancing their performance, service quality, and outputs. This research examines Six Sigma standards in terms of their origins, historical development, key concepts and definitions, features, significance, goals, core principles, steps for successful implementation within institutions and organizations, stages of application, and factors for success in libraries and information centers. It also presents examples of libraries that have successfully implemented it.