Leadership for change

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 939-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema Arif
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Private University ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scope Of Application

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the scope of application of systems thinking and cybernetics for change management by presenting the case of a private university of Pakistan. Six Sigma has been tested as a possible solution to the problems faced by the institution. Design/methodology/approach – Stafford Beer’s approach of running the system on trial at five levels has been used to estimate system’s efficacy. The system analysis helped to identify lapses in the system as well as the leverage points for quality improvement. Six Sigma DMAIC tools have been applied for the possible improvement in the process of course management in a private university of Pakistan. Findings – Private universities in Pakistan are operated as a business and the business owners are busy to keep their system stable unmindful for the protocol for sustainability. What will make the system viable and sustainable is yet to be learnt by the private universities of Pakistan. There exists a sharp divide between bottom line approach of businessmen and the academia’s confidence in the quality improvement. However, it has been learned that the organizational development is the job of every academic manager, and managing the process through creative innovation is the only solution. Originality/value – The case study is a unique contribution in theory and principles of quality management for checking the application of Six Sigma and lean techniques for organizational development of a private university.

How does the public and private university environment affect students’ entrepreneurial intention?

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 550-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Duarte Canever ◽  
Maria Renata Martínez Barral ◽  
Felipe Garcia Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Business Students ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Private University ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Environment ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the causal links between public and private university environments and the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of students. Design/methodology/approach The impact of different university environments on the students’ EI was checked using a model adapted from Krueger et al. (2000). The study comprised a sample of students enrolled in business administration from three public and three private universities at first semester (freshmen) and at the last two semesters (senior) in Brazil. The model was measured through various questions and later assessed by principal component analysis to build constructs. Via t-test and path analysis the EI and the antecedents were subjected to a comparative analysis to test the equality of the models across the four categories emerged. Findings The two main types of Brazilian university environments (public and private) do not present significant differences in the way they influence EI and its antecedents. Both the tests of means and the tests of measurement of the structural relations between constructs confirm this finding with only a few exceptions. The result of this study is opposed to other studies carried out in Brazil, by showing that the public university environment is not worse for the entrepreneurship than the private. The environmental effects are mostly equal and they as a whole are not conducive to the development of EI. Research limitations/implications The study comprises business students only, and enrolled on regular universities. It is worth highlighting that evidence was brought to the debate for a group of universities in Brazil. Replicating the study with students from other areas and other universities, as well as students in Master’s and Doctorate programs could enrich the analyses. Practical implications This study provides insight into entrepreneurship education, as to which the university environment is conducive to the entrepreneurship. It brings insights for the development of entrepreneurial universities. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding the differences between the public and private universities environment regarding students’ EI.

How to use lean Six Sigma methodology to improve service process in higher education

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 883-908
Author(s):  
Na Li ◽  
Chad Matthew Laux ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Service Process ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Lessons Learnt

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to use a practical case study approach to demonstrate the power to use lean Six Sigma (LSS) to improve service process in a higher education institution (HEI). The paper also illustrated the barriers and challenges met and lessons learnt for the LSS adoption in this HEI. Design/methodology/approach Prior to the study, extensive literature review was conducted to understand various aspects of LSS in HE industry. The authors use a single descriptive case study as methodology to explain how DMAIC was applied within a HEI environment. Findings In this LSS case study, the team found HEI service process contains a large human behavior component, which dramatically increases the unpredictability of the entire service delivery process and increases the complexity of the process and the ability of the improvement team to identify the root cause. This case study demonstrates the numerous challenges will occur in working with the intangible factors that are both hard to recognize, quantify and rarely tracked by organization. Practical implications During the research, the pre-award service process was studied, data were recorded and various statistical tool and techniques were used to discover and resolve the root cause. The lessons learnt of the LSS adoption in this service process in HEI and the problems encountered were all recorded in this study, which will be helpful for future research in HEI industry. Originality/value From the literature review, LSS has been widely adopted in manufacturing industry, increased adoption in service, but there has been limited academic research about the implementation in nonprofit, service sectors, particular to higher education industry. The major benefit of implementation LSS in both manufacturing and service is considerable improvement to the bottom line. However, in this HEI case study, it has opened up the direction to implement LSS to better serve your customer as ultimate mission instead of financial gains.

Application of Six Sigma DMAIC methodology to reduce the defects in a telecommunication cabinet door manufacturing process

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1540-1555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhilash C.R. ◽  
Jitesh J. Thakkar
Keyword(s):  
Sheet Metal ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Main Part ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Dmaic Method ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in order to reduce the rejections experienced in the manufacturing of the doors belonging to a telecommunication cabinet. Design/methodology/approach The process involved joining of sheet metal and hinge using welding operations with the help of a fixture. The methodology used is the structured DMAIC method in order to identify the root cause for the rejections and solve it. Findings The paper provides insights about the identification of the root cause for the defects and the solution to overcome it, and also the benefits that were obtained as a result of the application of the solution. Research limitations/implications This methodology has been applied to the variation observed in the dimensions of a particular component to be welded with a main part. This approach can be used to find such dimensional variations. Practical implications This study has been successfully carried out in a medium-scale industry which has total quality management in practice. Originality/value Six Sigma DMAIC was necessary for the identification and reduction of the defects which arose in the sheet metal and welding operations, and had to be resolved in order to increase the bottom-line.

A DMAIC Six Sigma approach to quality improvement in the anodising stage of the amplifier production process

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1868-1880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Sharma ◽  
Suresh Chander Malik ◽  
Anshu Gupta ◽  
P.C. Jha
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach ◽  
Current Reality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the anodising process of a portable amplifier production process to identify and eliminate the sources of variations, in order to improve the process productivity. Design/methodology/approach The study employs the define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) Six Sigma methodology. Within the DMAIC framework various tools of quality management such as SIPOC analysis, cause and effect diagram, current reality tree, etc., are used in different stages. Findings High rejection rate was found to be the main problem leading to lower productivity of the process. Four types of defects were identified as main cause of rejections in the baseline process. Pareto analysis resulted in detection of the top defects, which were then analysed in details to find the root cause of the problem. Further study resulted in finding improvement measures that were discussed with the management before implementation. The process is sampled again to check the improvements, and control measures were established. Practical implications The study provides a framework for implementation of DMAIC Six Sigma methodology for a manufacturing firm. The results presented are based on the data collected from the shop floor. Results and findings of the study were implemented for quality improvement of the process. Originality/value The study is based on an original research conducted with the objective of quality improvement in the anodising process of the production process. Besides presenting an approach to DMAIC Six Sigma methodology, an application of the current reality tree tool for root cause analysis is presented, a tool used limitedly in the Six Sigma studies. The tool finds its uniqueness in its ability to address problems relating multiple factors than isolated factors.

Six Sigma in education

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. LeMahieu ◽  
Lee E. Nordstrum ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Work ◽  
School Community Partnership ◽  
The Cost ◽  
And Control ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

Purpose This paper is one of seven in this volume that aims to elaborate different approaches to quality improvement in education. It delineates a methodology called Six Sigma. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study demonstrating an application of Six Sigma in a school-community partnership in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Findings The core principles underlying the approach are decreasing variability or unreliability in organizational work processes, eliminate waste or activity that does not add value to desired outcomes, identify defects and decrease their incidence, reduce the cost of work processes, and improve beneficiary/client satisfaction levels. The steps in this statistics-dependent method are design, measure, analyze, improve and control. Originality/value Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available on commonly used models of quality improvement that might have potential value in improving education systems internationally. This paper fills this gap by elucidating one promising approach. The paper also derives value as it permits a comparison of the Six Sigma approach with other quality improvement approaches treated in this volume.

Professional development in private university libraries in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 488-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Emefa Dzandza ◽  
Harry Akussah
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Private University ◽  
Library Services ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Budgetary Allocation

Purpose There has been a significant change in the provision of library services due to the application of technology to every aspect of library services. This has posed a major challenge to library staff as they need to be abreast with current technologies and their application to library services. One means by which a librarian can overcome this challenge is through professional development (PD) programs. The purpose of this paper is to determine PD opportunities in private university libraries in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 61 staff and interviews with 20 heads of libraries was conducted to collect data from 25 private universities in Ghana. Findings The study revealed that not all library staff in the private universities were allowed to attend PD programs. None of the private universities studied had a policy on PD and only three institutions made budgetary allocation to PD programs. Majority of the private universities did not have in-house PD programs and there were no means of knowledge sharing in most of the libraries studied. Originality/value In this paper, the researchers identified the major challenges encountered by library staff in private universities in Ghana and propose that librarians should see PD as a part of their own responsibility while, libraries should have a PD policy and make budgetary allocation toward PD.

Enhancing supplier capability through Six Sigma enablers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudeep Kumar Pradhan ◽  
Ravi Shrikrishna Reosekar ◽  
Srikanta Routroy
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Supplier Management ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Framework

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze and orient the enablers of Six Sigma to enhance supplier capability for an Indian manufacturing supply chain (SC).Design/methodology/approachIn total, nine enablers of Six Sigma were identified through an extensive literature review and discussion held with managers/senior managers in different Indian manufacturing companies. The interpretative structural modeling (ISM) approach is applied to the Indian auto ancillary company for developing and analyzing the structural framework of enablers to enhance the supplier capability.FindingsThe enablers such as top management commitment and leadership, supply chain management, standardization, training and education, human resource management and project selection and execution methodology of Six Sigma related to supplier capability have emerged as the prominent enablers, which are driving force in the system for the Indian manufacturing SC.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is restricted to only one Indian manufacturing company. Therefore, the outcomes of the study should not be generalized. Further studies may be carried out for several Indian manufacturing industries to get a more comprehensive implementation approach, their validity and their variation across the different industries.Practical implicationsThe simplicity and clarity of the proposed structural framework of Six Sigma helps in the identification and orientation of enablers for the successful implementation of Six Sigma in the SC. The proposed structural framework can be applied to different manufacturing SCs by allowing managers to structure the enablers considering their unique implementation constraints, which can reflect their priority considerations.Originality/valueThe study goes beyond the conceptual discussion of supplier capability issues. The supplier capability cannot be seen as a standalone approach irrespective of the constraints from the supplier domain as it is in synchronization with the entire SC performance. The enablers and their orientation with respect to the SC are providing a unique contribution toward supplier management planning. The outcomes from the proposed structural framework are used for developing action plans for organization “A” or other organizations to build suitable supplier capability in the SC.

Deploying Lean Six Sigma framework in an automotive component manufacturing organization

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Swarnakar ◽  
S. Vinodh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Assembly Line ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Defect Reduction ◽  
Automotive Component ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Component Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Organization ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Purpose This paper aims to deploy Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework to facilitate defect reduction and enhance bottom line results of an automotive component manufacturing organization. Design/methodology/approach LSS is a business process improvement strategy widely used in the manufacturing field for enhancing manufacturing organization performance. The integration of Lean and Six Sigma will enable the attainment of defects reduction by eliminating non-value-adding activities from production line. LSS framework has been developed with the integration of define–measure–analysis–improve–control (DMAIC) tools and techniques. Findings The finding of this study is that the LSS framework has been successfully implemented in automotive component manufacturing organization, and non-value-adding activities and defects from assembly line have been reduced. The proposed LSS framework applies lean tools within Six Sigma DMAIC approach to facilitate waste elimination and defect reduction. The developed framework with linkage of DMAIC tools and techniques reduces defects and non-value-adding activities with enhanced bottom line results. The implementation of proposed LSS framework shows effective improvement in key metrics. Research limitations/implications The developed framework has been test implemented in an automotive component manufacturing organization. In future, more number of studies could be conducted. Further, advanced lean tools and techniques could be included in the framework for increasing the effectiveness of production line. Practical implications The proposed LSS framework with linkage of DMAIC tools and techniques has been successfully implemented in an assembly line of automotive component manufacturing organization. This method is presently applied for an automotive component manufacturing organization; in future, the approach could be applied in different industrial sectors with addition of new tools and techniques for improving its effectiveness. Originality/value LSS framework has been designed and test implemented in an assembly line of an automotive component manufacturing organization. Hence, the inferences are practical and key results of the study.

Lean Six Sigma tools in the hiring process

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 22-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Sahay
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Talent Management ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
Talent Acquisition

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how “Lean” principles from the manufacturing world can be adapted to create a best-in-class recruiting function and demonstrate the causal connection between the “value-added” recruiting activity and positive business results. Design/methodology/approach – This concept paper is based on practitioner experience in leveraging Lean Six Sigma tools in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the talent acquisition process. Findings – Talent acquisition today is an activity fraught with risks – Did we hire the right person, the right skills the right fit? – and has the maximum impact on an organization bottom line. It is more than just posting a requisition and making an offer, but a series of sourcing activities, branding efforts, assessment processes and on-boarding activities and more – all designed to help an organization answer these key questions and find talent relevant to its business context. Appraising some of the evolving best practices in talent acquisition within the larger ambit of talent management issues facing organizations at large underscores the need for a new way of thinking about talent management. Originality/value – Being more innovative in sourcing and recruiting can give organizations a sustainable competitive advantage with visible impact on the bottom line.

Impacts of Lean Six Sigma over organizational sustainability

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Galdino de Freitas ◽  
Helder Gomes Costa
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Organizational Sustainability ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In a view to its comprehensive and diverse applicability, the methodology Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has the potential to the generation of impacts on various aspects of an organization. This paper aims to carry out a systematic study of LSS impacts on organizations, analyzing their relation to organizational sustainability through the triple bottom line perspective. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the existent literature on LSS was performed and the identified impacts were later classified as correspondence with three dimensions of organizational sustainability: financial, social and environmental. Findings There were identified 25 main impacts of the LSS through a systematic research of the literature. A greater correspondence of the LSS have been identified over a range of economic results in organizations; however, it was also possible to notice that the methodology has been directing its efforts gradually to meet further perspectives of sustainability, particularly by looking for a better relation with employees and customers. Practical implications The organizations that use the LSS as methodology to continuous improvement will be able to identify which impacts may need to be achieved primarily by the projects undertaken to enhance the achievement of a more sustainable management. Because of its comprehensive character, this paper can help organizations belonging to various industries and sectors of society. Originality/value Despite the growing number of published articles on the methodology LSS, it has not been identified articles that look for the study of the application of the methodology as a mechanism for increasing sustainability in organizations. Within the scenario presented, this study sought to assist the filling of this gap.

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