Supply chain management in a small firm

Eight research questions were investigated in relation to the effects of ISO 9000 certification and Six Sigma implementation on the financial performance of small manufacturing enterprises. Quantitative hypotheses were tested in relation to each research question. Financial performance outcomes tested were gross profit margin and return on investment. Relevant data were collected from publicly accessible sources. Analysis of variance procedures were applied in testing the hypotheses. Research results supported hypotheses that ISO 9000 certification and Six Sigma implementation lead to higher gross profit margins and higher returns on investment among small manufacturing organizations. It was concluded that the attainment of either ISO 9000 certification or Six Sigma implementation would be highly beneficial to any small manufacturing enterprise that is engaged in a globalized market. A further conclusion was that small manufacturing enterprises would be well served by considering the attainment of both ISO 9000 certification and Six Sigma implementation.