Strengthening Vocational Competencies and Quality Culture in Small-Scale Food Enterprises: A Case Study of Tofu Production Improvement Using the Six Sigma Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64268/josce.v1i3.69Keywords:
Behavioral improvement, Quality culture, Rural food enterprises, Six Sigma, Vocational competenciesAbstract
Background: Small-scale food enterprises in Indonesia often rely on inherited production habits rather than structured vocational knowledge, causing inconsistent quality and limited competitiveness. The tofu industry, particularly in rural areas such as Situbondo, faces challenges related to worker discipline, hygiene culture, and process control. These issues highlight the need for strengthening vocational competencies and embedding a quality-oriented work culture within microenterprises.
Aims: This study aims to examine how the introduction of a structured improvement framework can enhance workforce behavior, production discipline, and overall quality culture in a rural tofu-processing enterprise. The article reframes technical findings into insights that support vocational learning, organizational development, and local MSME empowerment.
Methods: Using a case-study design, the research applies the Six Sigma DMAIC framework to analyze quality issues at UD Barokah. Data were collected through direct observation, interviews with workers and owners, and defect recording across 20 sampling periods. The study investigates four key defect categories—aroma, taste, color, and size—and identifies behavioral, environmental, and procedural factors that influence production performance.
Results: Findings show a high defect rate represented by a DPMO value of 269,000 and a sigma level of 2.11, indicating unstable processes and weak adherence to vocational standards of hygiene, measurement accuracy, and equipment maintenance. Dominant defects include discoloration and contamination, which stem from inconsistent worker practices, inadequate sanitation routines, and the absence of standardized procedures.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that technical improvement tools can function as pedagogical instruments that reshape work behavior, reinforce vocational competencies, and cultivate a sustainable quality culture in micro-scale food enterprises. Beyond reducing product defects, the Six Sigma approach encourages structured learning, strengthens accountability among workers, and promotes a culture of cleanliness and precision that is essential for rural MSME development. Embedding such quality-oriented practices is crucial for empowering local enterprises, enhancing consumer trust, and supporting broader educational and socio-economic outcomes in vocational ecosystems.
References
Abdulhaq, B., Al-Khayat, A., Hammouri, M., Raie, J., Eid, A., & Dardas, L. (2025). Integrative art and drama therapy for children with behavioural and emotional challenges: A feasibility study in Jordan. International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape, 30(3), 156–166. https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2025.2503292
Achdiat, I., Mulyani, S., Azis, Y., & Sukmadilaga, C. (2022). Roles of organizational learning culture in promoting innovation. The Learning Organization: An International Journal, 30(1), 76–92. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-01-2021-0013
Aguilera, R. V., De Massis, A., Fini, R., & Vismara, S. (2024). Organizational Goals, Outcomes, and the Assessment of Performance: Reconceptualizing Success in Management Studies. Journal of Management Studies, 61(1), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12994
Anand, A., & Brix, J. (2021). The learning organization and organizational learning in the public sector: A review and research agenda. The Learning Organization: An International Journal, 29(2), 129–156. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-05-2021-0061
Aslam, U. (2023). Understanding the usability of retail fashion brand chatbots: Evidence from customer expectations and experiences. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 74, 103377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2023.103377
Badawy, W., & Shaban, M. (2025). Exploring geriatric nurses’ perspectives on the adoption of AI in elderly care a qualitative study. Geriatric Nursing, 61, 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.10.078
Baloch, Q. B., Maher, S., Iqbal, N., Shah, S. N., Sheeraz, M., Raheem, F., & Khan, K. I. (2021). Role of organizational environment in sustained organizational economic performance. Business Process Management Journal, 28(1), 131–149. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-02-2021-0084
Bilderback, S. (2023). Integrating training for organizational sustainability: The application of Sustainable Development Goals globally. European Journal of Training and Development, 48(7–8), 730–748. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-01-2023-0005
Cleland, J., MacLeod, A., & Ellaway, R. H. (2021). The curious case of case study research. Medical Education, 55(10), 1131–1141. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14544
El Arab, R. A., Al Moosa, O. A., Sagbakken, M., Ghannam, A., Abuadas, F. H., Somerville, J., & Al Mutair, A. (2025). Integrative review of artificial intelligence applications in nursing: Education, clinical practice, workload management, and professional perceptions. Frontiers in Public Health, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1619378
Hardiman, R. L., & Harding, C. (2025). Improving quality of support and staff culture in a supported living service: A practice example of tier 1 positive behaviour support. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 30(2), 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-01-2024-0002
Hasegawa, N., Muraoka, H., Arai, Y., Horinouchi, T., Yamamuro, K., Hashimoto, N., Ochi, S., Tsuboi, T., Kawamata, Y., Nakamura, T., Yasuda, Y., Matsumoto, J., Ito, S., Onitsuka, T., Ohi, K., Numata, S., Hori, H., Inada, K., Watanabe, K., … Hashimoto, R. (2025). Long-Term Impact of EGUIDE Training on Facility-Wide Guideline Adherence Rate in Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Study. Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, 45(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.70067
Hodgson, G. M. (2023). How stable routines can empower varied behaviors: Defining routines as organizational capacities. Industrial and Corporate Change, 32(6), 1319–1332. https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dtad054
Horn, A., Urias, E., Klein, J. T., Hess, A., & Zweekhorst, M. B. M. (2023). Expert and non-expert at the same time: Knowledge integration processes and dynamics in interdisciplinary teamwork. Sustainability Science, 18(5), 2357–2371. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-023-01365-6
Khlaif, Z. N., Alkouk, W. A., Salama, N., & Abu Eideh, B. (2025). Redesigning Assessments for AI-Enhanced Learning: A Framework for Educators in the Generative AI Era. Education Sciences, 15(2), 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020174
Leso, B. H., Cortimiglia, M. N., & Ghezzi, A. (2023). The contribution of organizational culture, structure, and leadership factors in the digital transformation of SMEs: A mixed-methods approach. Cognition, Technology & Work, 25(1), 151–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-022-00714-2
Levi, S., Endy Findling, L., Endevelt, R., & Aflalo, E. (2025). Reflecting on a decade of action: A review of select indicators for the Israel National Program for Active and Healthy Living–Efsharibari, 2011–2022. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-025-00722-3
Li, N., Zheng, X., Yu, Y., & Yu, J. (2022). A quasi-experimental examination of knowledge-sharing interventions enhancing service performance: The roles of time, occupational identity, and image. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 43(5), 818–839. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2609
Marchi, A. J., & Paganotti, L. (2025). Reflective Learning as a Pathway to Professional Self-Actualization in Simulation-Based Learning: A Qualitative Case Study. Simulation in Healthcare, 20(5), 316. https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0000000000000852
Miao, B., Suo, Y., Liang, Y., & Li, Y. (2022). The Influence of Organizational Identity on Knowledge Employees’ Job Performance—The Mediating Role of Work Values. IEEE Access, 10, 90903–90914. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3201905
Murphy, K. A., Gennusa, J., Dalcin, A. T., Cook, C., Goldsholl, S., Fink, T., Daumit, G. L., Wang, N.-Y., Thompson, D., & McGinty, E. E. (2025). Pilot of a team-based quality improvement strategy to improve cardiovascular risk factors care in community mental health centers. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1446985
Naseer, F., Tariq, R., Alshahrani, H. M., Alruwais, N., & Al-Wesabi, F. N. (2025). Project based learning framework integrating industry collaboration to enhance student future readiness in higher education. 15(1), 24985. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-10385-4
Okamuro, K., Card, A., Barton, H. J., Kanji, F., Trasvina, V., Blumenthal, J., Cohen, T., & Anger, J. T. (2025). Patient and clinician perspectives on misgendering in healthcare. BMJ Quality and Safety. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2024-018364
Paparini, S., Papoutsi, C., Murdoch, J., Green, J., Petticrew, M., Greenhalgh, T., & Shaw, S. E. (2021). Evaluating complex interventions in context: Systematic, meta-narrative review of case study approaches. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 21(1), 225. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-021-01418-3
Pavlov, A., & Micheli, P. (2022). Rethinking organizational performance management: A complexity theory perspective. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 43(6), 899–915. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-08-2022-0478
Poolkrajang, A., & Papanai, R. (2024). Reflective Thinking on Enhancing Student Competencies in Learning Management through Outcome-Based Learning According to Constructive Alignment. International Journal of Engineering Pedagogy, 14(6), 4. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijep.v14i6.48409
Pop, G. V., Nechita, D.-M., Miu, A. C., & Szentágotai-Tătar, A. (2025). Anger and emotion regulation strategies: A meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91646-0
Reissner, S., & Whittle, A. (2021). Interview-based research in management and organisation studies: Making sense of the plurality of methodological practices and presentational styles. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, 17(1), 61–83. https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-03-2021-2118
Romeiser, J. L., Elliott, R., Allis, N., Briggs, J., Glidden, M., Luke, E., Rivé, V., Shaw, J., Suits, P., & Stewart, T. (2025). Leveraging agents of change to improve the use of an electronic hand hygiene monitoring system. American Journal of Infection Control, 53(8), 818–827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2025.03.007
Rostamzadeh, R., Alizadeh, F. K., Keivani, S., & Isavi, H. (2025). The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Organizational Behavior: A Systematic Study. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2025(1), 8094428. https://doi.org/10.1155/hbe2/8094428
Twyman, J. S. (2025). Re-Engineering the Educational System: Technology Transfer from a Behavioral Perspective. Perspectives on Behavior Science, 48(1), 59–81. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40614-025-00432-w
Zhang, Y., & Gao, Y. (2025). ExpTODIM-VIKOR framework for multiple-attribute group decision-making with 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic numbers and applications to quality evaluation of cultural heritage-oriented rural landscapes. Soft Computing, 29(15–16), 5159–5172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-025-10672-2
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Firanti Ramadhania
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
