Impact of Six Sigma barriers factors on SS project success: evidence from the Tunisian service sector

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the Six Sigma Barriers Factors (SSBF) in Tunisian service companies. Furthermore, it aims to assess the causal link between SSBF and Six Sigma Project Success (SSPS). Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a mixed-methods design, integrating qualitative case studies from twelve service firms and a quantitative survey involving 98 Tunisian companies. The research model is tested using the partial least squares (PLS) technique based on SmartPLS3 software. Findings The result reveals a significant relationship between cultural barriers (BR) and Training BR as well as between Statistical BR and Financial BR, and between Organizational BR and Cultural BR. Furthermore, the finding confirms the direct significant impact of Financial Barriers (FB) on Six Sigma Project Success (SSPS). However, it shows a statistically insignificant effect of ORGBR on SSPS. Practical implications This study provides academics and practitioners with streamlined guidance and critical insights enabling them to anticipate and overcome potential obstacles, thereby ensuring successful implementation and ongoing organizational growth and optimization. Originality/value This study is unique as it is the first to explore and develop a measurement instrument for SSBF in Tunisian service firms and to analyze their impact on SSPS using the PLS technique.