Integration of Lean Six Sigma and Ergonomics: A Proposed Model Combining Mura Waste and a RULA Tool to Examine Assembly Workstations

2014 ◽

pp. 77-91

Author(s):

Yanzhen Li ◽

Rapinder S. Sawhney ◽

Joseph H. Wilck IV

Keyword(s):

Six Sigma ◽

Probabilistic Inference ◽

External Environment ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Competitive Advantages ◽

Graphical Approach ◽

Production Processes ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Manufacturing Organizations

In order to retain competitive advantages, many manufacturing organizations have applied Lean Six Sigma techniques to improve production processes. The general approach for implementing Lean Six Sigma is to perform various projects to tackle specific problems or areas. However, with the manufacturing system and its external environment becoming more and more complex, it is simply not possible to solve all the problems given the limited resources. The purpose of this chapter is to develop a model that provides a systematic evaluation for potential opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma. Deriving from the Bayesian Network methodology, the proposed model combines a graphical approach to represent cause-and-effect relationships between events of interests and probabilistic inference to estimate their likelihoods in the area of process improvement. The developed model can be used for assessing the problems associated with Lean Six Sigma initiatives and prioritizing efforts to solve these problems.

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Applying Bayesian Network Techniques to Prioritize Lean Six Sigma Efforts

International Journal of Strategic Decision Sciences ◽

10.4018/jsds.2013040101 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yanzhen Li ◽

Rapinder S. Sawhne ◽

Joseph H. Wilck

Keyword(s):

Bayesian Network ◽

Process Improvement ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Manufacturing System ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Limited Resources ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Competitive Advantages ◽

Proposed Model ◽

Manufacturing Organizations

In order to retain competitive advantages, many manufacturing organizations have applied Lean Six Sigma techniques to improve production processes. The general approach for implementing Lean Six Sigma is to perform various projects to tackle specific problems or areas. However, with the manufacturing system and its external environment becoming more and more complex, it is simply not possible to solve all the problems given the limited resources. The purpose of this study is to develop a model that provides a systematic evaluation for potential opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma. Deriving from the Bayesian Network methodology, the proposed model combines a graphical approach to represent cause-and-effect relationships between events of interests and probabilistic inference to estimate their likelihoods in the area of process improvement. The developed model can be used for assessing the problems associated with Lean Six Sigma initiatives and prioritizing efforts to solve these problems.

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Lean six sigma project management – a stakeholder management perspective

The TQM Journal ◽

10.1108/tqm-09-2014-0070 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 132-150 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Vijaya Sunder M.

Keyword(s):

Project Management ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Financial Services ◽

Stakeholder Management ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Project Managers ◽

Service Industries ◽

Content Type ◽

Proposed Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the success of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in banking and financial services industry and to develop a structured stakeholders management model for successful LSS project management. Design/methodology/approach – A two-phase methodology is used. Phase 1 establishes the literature to understand two key process improvement methodologies – Lean and Six Sigma and to derive synergies by their combination leading to success in banking and financial services. The literature also helps to recognize the importance of stakeholder management in LSS projects and to understand how it helps in accelerating change in organizations. Phase 2 of the methodology is based on the interviews conducted by 56 global LSS project managers. This is to understand the practical challenges faced by the LSS project managers in banking and financial services tying back to the existing literature. Findings – The paper identifies the possible opportunities for structured stakeholder management across different phases of Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) project flow. The first of this kind, “Inform-Involve-Influence” model has been developed based on the understanding from literature and conclusions from the interviews conducted. The proposed model highlights the different set of stakeholders involved in LSS projects and their role in the project. The model also helps categorizing the stakeholders based on the DMAIC phases. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited to readymade use in banking and financial service environments for LSS projects. However the paper sets a platform for further research to customize the proposed model for other service industries. Practical implications – The model proposed as part of the paper helps project managers to inform, involve and influence different set of stakeholders at different phases of the DMAIC flow. The model leaves an opportunity for further research and customization for other service industries outside the banking and financial services space like hospitality, government, heath care, etc. Benefits and limitations of the model were presented as part of the paper. Originality/value – The paper is the original work contributed by the author. Both the survey findings and the model developed are author’s original contribution for both academicians and corporate professionals.

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A LEAN SIX SIGMA FRAMEWORK TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS FOR SMES, EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM

HUFLIT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020 ON ENSURING A HIGH-QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCE IN THE MODERN AGE ◽

10.15625/vap.2020.00117 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nguyễn Thị Xuân Lan ◽

Hoàng Đức Sinh

Keyword(s):

Empirical Evidence ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Lean Six Sigma

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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR HIGH FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF LEAN SIX SIGMA AT A MALAYSIA TRADING COMPANY

e-Academia Journal ◽

10.24191/e-aj.v9i1.9518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hadijah Iberahim ◽

Izmahariz Azman ◽

Mohd Haniff Shahri ◽

Nur Fara Ellyanie Abdul Hamid

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Sharing ◽

Employee Engagement ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Management Support ◽

High Productivity ◽

Trading Company ◽

Goal Clarity

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a method that helps an organization to maximize profit and minimize cost. One of the essential factors for a successful LSS project is the availability of employees who are willing to engage. Employee engagement brings about a strong sense of belonging and high productivity. Consequently, engaged employees will work harder to achieve the mission of the organization. This paper discusses a case of LSS project with a low level of employee engagement. As a result, LSS was less likely helpful in sustaining company’s performance. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that contribute to employee engagement in LSS practices. Review of the relevant literature suggests four variables, which include goal clarity, management support and trust, knowledge sharing and transfer, and teamwork. The questionnaire survey applied census in collecting feedback from 80 respondents. Statistical analysis results indicate that goal clarity, management support, and trust are significant to employee engagement. However, knowledge sharing and transfer as well as teamwork are not substantial. It is recommended for the organization to give attention to all the four factors. This paper extended understandings on critical inputs to a successful implementation of LSS for sustainable company’s performance and growth. Keywords: Lean Six Sigma, Employee Engagement, Goal Clarity, Management Support and Trust, Teamwork, Knowledge Sharing.

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