Improving Productivity at the Currency Processing Centre (Bank of Ghana) Through Six Sigma.

Abstract

A programme of working long hours was introduced by Bank of Ghana, in its Currency Processing Centers to increase output to meet growing demand for processed cash. Incidental problems with employee dissatisfaction and poor health of the programme raised questions about its sustainability. Analysis of productivity in the period before and during the extended hour programme indicated a 17% increase in productivity, suggesting some inefficiency in the bank’s currency processing operations. Six Sigma is a systematic data driven approach to reducing defects, improving efficiency and hence productivity. The study sought to investigate the application of Six Sigma as a tool for reducing defects and increasing productivity. A simplified version of Six Sigma was adopted and applied to improve productivity in the Currency Processing Centre, Kumasi. The results indicated a 75% increase in productivity in spite of the limitation of not having the full commitment of top level management.

Keywords: Productivity, Currency Processing, Bank of Ghana, Six Sigma