Impact of six sigma methodology and strategic thinking on operational performance of tourism operations

Identifying and meeting the specific expectations of customers and delivering high-quality service to customers in the tourism industry is imperative for sustaining competitiveness. This study aims to identify the mediation effect of strategic thinking between six sigma and the operational performance of tourism companies in Iraq. A survey of 47 companies was conducted and analyzed using the structural equation modeling method to test the study framework. The findings suggests that strategic thinking is relevant and effective in this sector and increasing the effect of six sigma, operational performance is positively affected by the adoption of strategic thinking with six sigma. The study proves that implementing Six Sigma with strategic thinking will make processes efficient and effective which will ultimately result in increased customer satisfaction, improved product and service quality by improving the operational performance.