scholarly journals Extending lean manufacturing in supply chains: a successful case in Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1070-1083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour ◽  
José Carlos Omodei Junior ◽  
Charbel José Chiappetta Jabbour
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Focal Firm ◽  
Successful Case

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a success story involving the extending of lean manufacturing practices between a focal firm and its supplier, both located in Brazil, thereby configuring a case of excellence. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth case study was conducted involving two companies: Company A, focal, leader in its segment, located in Brazil; and Company B, Company A's supplier, also located in Brazil. Findings – Results indicate there are several mechanisms for extending lean manufacturing practices in the supply chain, such as workshops, training, and integrated teams. These mechanisms are shown and guidelines are also introduced for companies seeking to successfully extend lean manufacturing practices. Originality/value – An original use of define, measure, analyze, improve, control for structuring the extending of lean manufacturing practices to suppliers and, consequently, the importance of the lean six-sigma relationship in this context. Furthermore, the guidelines introduced serve as a benchmark for other companies interested in the topic.

Lean Six Sigma strategy in telecom manufacturing

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 904-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy Andersson ◽  
Per Hilletofth ◽  
Peter Manfredsson ◽  
Olli-Pekka Hilmola
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Emphasis ◽  
Company Culture ◽  
Difficult Times ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elaborate, how the use of a joint-use strategy of Lean and Six Sigma can improve flexibility, robustness, and agility. Telecom manufacturing has been under tremendous change after dot.com bubble burst in the early 2000, and new competition has originated from Asia. Being successful requires now more than before, and joint-use of strategies is one option to survive. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study from a Swedish company operating in the telecom manufacturing was conducted. In particular, a Six Sigma project was followed and analyzed during 2002. However, the outcome of the Six Sigma project has been studied in longitudinal manner until 2014. Findings – The Lean Six Sigma strategy ensures flexible, robust, and efficient processes. However, to make them more agile in order to sustain in today's highly competitive environment, something more is required. This could include staff training, strengthening company culture and collaborating with key partners in the supply chain. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to large company that usually has a lot of resources and choices where to put the strategic emphasis as well as has level of control of the supply chain operations. The situation could be very different in small and medium-sized companies and thus it may be more difficult to realize the Lean Six Sigma strategy in such environment. On the other hand, the processes in these companies are often less complex. Practical implications – This research provides guidance on how to manage the Lean Six Sigma strategy in order to ensure more flexible, robust, and efficient processes as well as how to perform a Six Sigma project in Lean environment, in a proper manner. Originality/value – This research provides guidance to companies regarding the applicability and properties of the Lean Six Sigma strategy. The paper will also serve as a basis for other companies and industries, on how to survive in difficult times.

Lean Six Sigma in policing services

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 935-940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Bryan Rodgers ◽  
Inness Coull ◽  
Vijaya Sunder M.
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Learning Points

Purpose This paper is based on a single case study carried out as part of a change programme but is used as a reflective tool to draw on some of the wider organisational learning which can be considered when implementing, reviewing or re-energise a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Programme. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach has been used and referenced throughout the paper with references to literature to support the wider learning points drawn which are then applied to any continuous improvement (CI) programmes. Findings The paper presents a range of learning points which are drawn from a successful deployment of LSS within a change project carried out as part of an overall programme in Scottish policing services. Research limitations/implications The points are drawn from a single case study which was deployed within a wider change programme and is supported by wider literature but is used as a vehicle for informing strategic considerations within an organisation. Originality/value This case study is drawn from policing services in the public sector which alone is an area that has not been significantly studied. It is used to explore wider implications in terms of strategic alignment, organisational performance and project management and presents the argument that the design of a CI programme is much wider than the implementation of LSS itself.

Process mining and lean six sigma: a novel approach to analyze the supply chain quality of a hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Ramires ◽  
Paulo Sampaio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Process Mining ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Novel Approach

PurposeThis paper aims to depict the practical execution of the problem-solving structure provided by the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) framework in combination with the analytical power provided by process mining capabilities, to improve the supply chain quality of a health-care provider. Design/methodology/approachPrior to the study, a literature review was conducted to identify existing frameworks combining six sigma with process mining. The authors use a descriptive case study approach to explain how the two methodologies blend across the different phases of DMAIC in a health-care setting. FindingsThis case study describes how analyzing data extracted from core information systems has significant value to improvement initiatives when complemented by traditional quality methods. By intersecting process mining techniques with lean six sigma tools, the researchers found 65% of orders not complying with the target ordering time and 200 redundant purchases with high operational costs. Research limitations/implicationsBy depicting how the two methodologies can be intertwined, this paper complements existing research by presenting it as a viable quality improvement approach. Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights for six sigma and process mining practitioners on the benefits of combining both methodologies within the DMAIC structure. Implementing this blended approach can bring visibility to operations and accelerate process improvement initiatives. Originality/valueThe prime value of this paper lies in the integration of traditional six sigma methods with process mining as a technological approach in a health-care context, going beyond existing research, which, to the best of the knowledge, lacks descriptive case studies.

scholarly journals Productivity and process performance in a manual trimming cell exploiting Lean Six Sigma (LSS) DMAIC – a case study in laminated panel production

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lee Hardy ◽  
Saikat Kundu ◽  
Muhammad Latif
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Process Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Intermittent Feeding ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Component Manufacturing ◽  
Production Cell

PurposeThe purpose of this case study is to investigate inefficiency and downtime factors within a panel lamination process cell at a timber component manufacturing company. Areas of concern related predominantly to the manual trimming or finishing of a range of laminated timber panels for the caravan and leisure industry. The intermittent feeding of inputs and material outputs was also investigated during this case study.Design/methodology/approachThe case study was conducted over a six-month period using the Six Sigma defining, measuring, analysing, improving and controlling (DMAIC) construct. But was equally supported through a combination of tools both applied in lean manufacturing and statistical properties commonly assigned to Six Sigma projects.FindingsThis paper provides insights about the identification of the root causes for poor productivity and overall equipment effectiveness issues experienced by manual trimming/finishing operations in a laminated timber panel production cell. It also identifies solutions to overcome these issues and benefits (such as improved OEE, reduced downtime and savings in staffing costs) that were obtained due to the application of these solutions. This study contributes to understanding the interconnections of fork-lift truck movements with staff members working within manual finishing areas connected to a panel lamination cell.Originality/valueThis paper contributes new knowledge into the root causes of poor productivity and process performance within manual finishing operations in a laminated timber panel production cell at a small medium enterprise. By applying elements of Six Sigma' quality focussed analytical methods within the DMAIC structure, and simultaneously applying the waste reduction method of lean manufacturing, this paper provides useful perspective on why both these quality improvement-based ideologies are applied to overcome process issues in manufacturing.

Critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma deployment: a current review

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 339-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fairul Anwar Abu Bakar ◽  
Khairanum Subari ◽  
Mohd Amran Mohd Daril
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Success Story ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Improvement Methodologies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
A Current

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review and gather the latest critical success factors (CSF) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) deployment and implementation into a comprehensive list of factors. Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken by authors in this study was to analyze the latest literature review starting 2010 onwards and focus on CSFs of LSS (not dedicated as Lean or Six Sigma) by excluding other improvement methodologies or initiatives, e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, TQM, TRIZ etc. Findings – Five significant CSFs were identified (initially 97 CSFs listed from 13 papers) out of nine groups/headers listed in clustering analysis using Affinity Diagram tool and new headers mapping. Practical implications – Most of the organisations were aware of the success story on LSS, but did not scrutinize or consider its CSFs. By knowing the outcome of this paper, it can help open eyes regarding readiness before implementing LSS. Originality/value – At the end of this paper, the authors tried to cluster the CSFs similarities that could intentionally provide the guidelines and references to industries/companies for successful deployment and implementation of LSS in future endeavours.

Diagnosing recurrent logistics problems: a combined SCM disciplines and maturity perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmen S. Wijbenga ◽  
Paul C. van Fenema ◽  
Nynke Faber
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dynamic Capability ◽  
Public Organization ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of the study is to diagnose recurrent logistics problems in a public organization’s network of logistics entities, determining the maturity level of each supply chain (SC) function, and trying to link problems within the SC functions to the maturity level by using the case study method. Design/methodology/approach Extant research on supply chain management (SCM) maturity is combined with notions of SC flows and disciplines. The resulting SCM Disciplines Maturity model comprises multiple diagnostic steps. It is illustrated by means of a developmental case study at a large public organization facing recurrent logistics problems in routine processes. Findings The model is shown to be a useful instrument to obtain insight into linkages between recurrent logistics problems and the way an SCM organization harbors multiple SCM disciplines. Originality/value The paper examines recurrent logistics problems in relation to SCM maturity, a relatively unknown research subject. It shows how SCM maturity thinking can support the diagnosis of recurrent problems. In a rapidly changing world, it enables further research on diagnosis as a dynamic capability.

The application of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience in maritime industry during the era of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yugowati Praharsi ◽  
Mohammad Abu Jami’in ◽  
Gaguk Suhardjito ◽  
Hui Ming Wee
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Logistics Services

Purpose This study aims to apply a Lean Six Sigma framework to support continuous improvement in the maritime industry (shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping companies) during COVID-19 pandemics. By applying the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience, the most suitable continuous improvement method for the maritime industry is developed to maintain a resilient supply chain during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach A specific shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping company in Indonesia is chosen as the research object. The Lean Six Sigma framework reveals the wastes through the supply chain resilience concept, and implements internal business processes to maintain optimal system performance. Findings The paper identifies important implementation aspects in applying Lean Six Sigma to shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping. The DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach is applied to achieve supply chain resilience. Resilient measures are generated for the case companies to maximize performance during the pandemics. Practical implications This paper provides a new insight for integrating Lean Six Sigma and resilience strategies in the maritime industry during COVID-19 disruptions. The authors provide some insights to sustain the performance of the maritime industries under study. Originality/value This study is part of the first research in the maritime industry that focuses on continuous improvement during COVID-19 using Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience.

Business survival and market performance through Lean Six Sigma in the chemical manufacturing industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 566-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Muganyi ◽  
Ignatio Madanhire ◽  
Charles Mbohwa
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Market Performance ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Chemical Product ◽  
Business Survival ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chemical Manufacturing ◽  
Product Manufacturing

Purpose The research paper aims to unveil the practical use of Lean Six Sigma and its effectiveness as a business survival strategic tool by a chemical product realization concern, as well as to establish the market and business performance impacts on the manufacturing entity. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was pursued with a multi-national chemical manufacturing entity in South Africa. A comprehensive literature research was undertaken to establish the contemporary tools used for implementing Lean Six Sigma, and the classification and flow of tools and steps undertaken to ensure the successful and effective application of Lean Six Sigma in a manufacturing organization and the benefits derived. The critical success factors and reasons of ineffective use of tools are reviewed. To ensure that a comprehensive research was conducted which is relevant to the body of knowledge in engineering, recent articles on the application of Lean Six Sigma were selected and reviewed during the progress of the study to add impetus to the relevance of the findings. Findings The research findings were mainly based on the inferences obtained from a chemical product manufacturing concern in South Africa, to distinguish the efficacy and relevance of Lean Six Sigma as strategic business survival tool and imputing strategic resonance to corporate strategy. Research limitations/implications This research was limited to distinguishing Lean Six Sigma as a business survival strategic tool and an ultimate enhancer of market performance for a chemical product manufacturing entity. The implementation and evaluation of the Lean Six Sigma methodology as a business survival strategic and market performance enhancement option for the case study organization was entailed as the corollary of deductive resemblance to similar entities. Practical implications This study enables continuous improvement practitioners to evaluate the Lean and Six Sigma practices. The advantages posed by the simultaneous and optimized application of the two approaches versus individual application were assessed and verified to produce enhanced continuous improvement. This poses further challenges to scholars and academics to pursue further researches on the practicality of applying Lean Six Sigma as a strategic option. Originality/value The paper prompts the efficacy of well publicized methodologies and evaluates their implementation for strategic performance for manufacturing organizations. The practical application, constraints and resultant effects of deploying Lean Six Sigma were reviewed to give impetus to the methodology.

A directed content analysis of viewpoints on the changing patterns of Lean Six Sigma research

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Rodgers ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Zhen He ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney ◽  
Chad Laux
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper, builds on previous studies that explored the research patterns over 15 years, is to consider the current status of the integration of Lean and Six Sigma. More specifically, this research addresses whether Lean and Six Sigma are stronger together and explores the reasons why Lean researchers and practitioners may be less likely to integrate Six Sigma in their work. Design/methodology/approach The research utilises a survey of 25 established and respected academics and practitioners from 16 countries. The questionnaire is analysed using a direct content approach and coded in NVivo. Findings The findings suggest that challenges may lie in the perception and understanding of statistics as well as short-term rather than long-term focus on improvement. The findings also suggest that academics and practitioners believe that Lean Six Sigma has developed over time and will continue to develop and improve as a methodology rather than being replaced with a new methodology. Research limitations/implications The survey has a sample size of 25, albeit all respondents are established and very experienced practitioners and academics. Practical implications For organisations that are introducing or refreshing their continuous improvement initiatives, this research identifies some of the challenges and provides the opportunity to address them to maximise the opportunities for success and sustainability. Originality/value The value of this paper is that it further addresses the debate over the integration of Lean and Six Sigma for many organisations which still employ Lean alone, but beyond this it explores how they will continue to develop and whether they are a permanent edition to the quality management landscape or a transition to something else.

Lean Six Sigma Supply Chain Case Study: Aircraft Shipment Improvement in a Pharmaceutical Company

2013 ◽  
pp. 1475-1487
Author(s):  
Luis Rocha-Lona ◽  
Silvia Edith Alvarez-Reyes ◽  
Steve Eldridge ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Vikas Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Pharmaceutical Company ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma
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