Effects of Six Sigma and Kaizen methods for improving the quality of final product in manufacturing sector

Understanding logic of enterprises, who have a voice in today's world and also who can compete global basis, depends on "quality" notion. Quality notion; became an important issue for enterprises who want to increase their competitive power in this new age where globalization has very different dimensions. Multinational companies have been using quality methods like Six Sigma and Kaizen in their processes to make profit in recent years. These quality methodologies provide profitability, efficiency and increase in market share in addition, opportunity to become the best in their business with the aim of perfect processes. Six Sigma is an important notion which is developed to be able to produce products or services consistent with customer wishes and needs and which aims to optimize process quality by decreasing variability in production process. Kaizen is a method that tries to increase quality with innovative spirit and small steps despite all these stunning developments and changes.Six Sigma and Kaizen Methodologies aim to create an organizational culture by appreciating human factor and also trying to contribute employees from all levels. This way, organization increase work efficiency of employees at the same time employees adopt their roles in the system that they are included and become a part of the organization.In this study, Kaizen and Six Sigma technics which are applied within Total Quality Management (TQM) are observed, and applications of two important organizations, which leads production sector in our country and applies these methodologies, are analyzed. As a result, proper application of Kaizen and Six Sigma technics successfully increase efficiency and also decrease quality losses. As a result, useful and directive information are come into use for the organization willing to apply Kaizen and Six Sigma methodologies to increase end product quality. Keywords: Six Sigma, Kaizen, Production, Quality Improvement, TQM