Addressing critical failure factors and barriers in implementing Lean Six Sigma in Italian public hospitals

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuliano Marolla ◽  
Angelo Rosa ◽  
Felice Giuliani
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Fuzzy Cognitive Maps ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Causal Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospital Managers ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose During the past few decades, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the health-care sector has received increasing attention from both researchers and practitioners because it plays an imperative role in quality improvement and cost reduction initiatives. Although researchers have often focussed on evidence of model effectiveness through the study of performance indicators, too little attention has been given to the factors that lead to implementation failure and the causal relationships among them. This study aims to investigate the factors that may inhibit the successful implementation of the method by focussing on Italian public hospitals. Design/methodology/approach Through the use of the Delphi technique and fuzzy cognitive maps, this paper derives new and relevant results for researchers, hospital managers and policymakers. Findings The results show the factors with the greatest impact on LSS implementation and provide insight into the causal links and degrees of influence between critical failure factors and performance variables. Practical implications The findings could be considered useful, in particular, to hospital managers and policymakers, who could leverage the suggestions derived from the study to address LSS implementation. Originality/value This work overcomes a gap in the literature related to the absence of studies on the causal relationships between factors that determine the success or failure of LSS implementation.

Evaluating critical failure factors for implementing sustainable lean six sigma framework in manufacturing organization

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1083-1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Swarnakar ◽  
Anil Kr Tiwari ◽  
A.R. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Solution Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
Manufacturing Organization ◽  
Case Organization ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify, evaluate and develop a structured model to measure the interrelation between critical failure factors (CFFs) that affects the implementation of the sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) framework in a manufacturing organization. Further solution approaches have been provided that inhibit those CFFs and help in successful implementation of the framework. Design/methodology/approach To find the interrelation among the selected CFFs and develop a systematic structured model, a total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach has been used. A 13-level model for selected CFFs has been formed after the application of the TISM approach. Further classification of CFFs has been performed for a better understanding of their nature through MICMAC analysis. Findings A total of 26 SLSS CFFs have been identified through a detailed study of case organization, various literature reviews and experience of panel experts toward developing a systematic model of CFFs. The solution approach has been provided by panel experts based on their industrial experiences after observing the role of CFFs in the developed model. Based on the analysis, it was found that most dependent and dominant CFFs affect the implementation of the SLSS framework in the case organization. Practical implications This study helps SLSS practitioners, project managers, decision-makers and academicians of manufacturing industries to a better understanding of the failure factors and their interrelations while implementing the SLSS framework in manufacturing organizations. This study also guides the systematic solution approach which helps in tackling such problems that occurred in manufacturing organizations. Originality/value In this study, the TISM-based structural model of CFFs for implementing the SLSS framework in manufacturing organizations has been proposed which is a very new effort in the area of a manufacturing environment.

scholarly journals Critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma from leaders’ perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alnadi ◽  
Patrick McLaughlin
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Employee Motivation ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Key Aspects

Purpose This paper aims to provide a synthesis of the results of the previous literature on leadership behaviours that enable successful Lean Six Sigma implementation. Design/methodology/approach The published literature that relates to leadership and Lean Six Sigma has been included. A thematic analysis was conducted on the previous literature which helped in identifying the relevant aspects and associating the behaviours with specific aspects. Findings After analysing the literature, seven key aspects have emerged: communication, culture of continuous improvement, coaching and developing employees, creating vision and aligning goals, employee motivation, employee empowerment and leadership commitment and support. The main leadership behaviours that facilitate and support Lean Six Sigma implementation have been summarised. Originality/value Thematic analysis in this field is scarce, so identifying the leadership behaviours’ themes can help researchers in developing a framework of leadership behaviours. Organisations and practitioners of Lean Six Sigma can take into consideration these behaviours as a key to the successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma. They can adjust their behaviours and know the behaviours that need to be developed amongst leaders. This would facilitate the Lean Six Sigma journey by overcoming the challenges that face practitioners during Lean Six Sigma implementation.

Modelling of readiness factors for the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Vaishnavi ◽  
M. Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Interaction Matrix ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Expert Opinions

Purpose This paper aims to identify, analyze and categorize the major readiness factors for implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in health-care organizations using total interpretive structural modelling technique. The readiness factors are identified would help the managers to recognize the areas that lack and provide importance to the successful implementation of LSS in those areas. The paper further intends to understand the hierarchical interrelationships among the readiness factors identified using dependence and driving power. Design/methodology/approach In total, 16 readiness factors are identified from the literature review and expert opinions are collected from hospitals. The scheduled interview is conducted based on a questionnaire survey in hospitals in the Indian context to identify the relevance of the relations among the readiness factors. The expert opinions are used in the initial reachability matrix and interpretative interaction matrix. Matrix impact cross multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis uses dependence and driving power to understand the hierarchical relationship among the readiness factors identified. Findings The result indicates that customer-oriented and goal management cultures are the key readiness factors for LSS. The execution technique and training are given according to the current demand of customers and goal change of organization. The manager needs to concentrate more on readiness factors to formulate the execution process of LSS for continuous improvement of the health-care organization. The readiness level helps the manager to identify the target area for LSS execution. Research limitations/implications This research focuses mainly on readiness factors for the implementation of LSS in the health-care industry. Practical implications This study would be useful for researchers and practitioners to understand the readiness factors before starting the implementation process of LSS. Originality/value Many research studies are being done on the success and failure rate of implementation of factors. The present study identifies the readiness factors related to LSS, especially for the health-care industry.

Modelling the barriers of Lean Six Sigma for Indian micro-small medium enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 673-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahipal Singh ◽  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
Rajeev Rathi
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Human Error ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pairwise Comparison Matrix ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Medium Enterprises

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and develop the interrelationship among them using interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Matriced Impact Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement (MICMAC). Design/methodology/approach Using systematic literature review and expert’s opinions, 26 LSS barriers have been extracted and finalized through statistical analysis, that is importance-index analysis and corrected item minus total correlation methods. The statistical analysis of purified 22 LSS barriers has been carried out and consistency of finalized barriers has been checked through reliability statistical test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Finally, the contextual relationship among finalized LSS barriers is developed using ISM and MICMAC approach. Findings The ISM model indicates that insufficient management commitment and involvement, lack of resources, lack of training and education, lack of strategic thinking, lack of training funds are strategic factors; improper project selection, poor selection of employee for belt training, lack of total employee involvement, lack of awareness of about LSS are prudent factors; unclear vision, high implementation cost, resistance to culture change, weak supplier linkage, poor alignment between company’s goal and customer demand are burst factors. Furthermore, MICMAC analysis is splitting the LSSBs in four clusters according to their driving power and dependency. These results provide a clear mind-set to engineering manager for focusing more on LSS barriers according to their driving power and dependency. Research limitations/implications There may be biasness in making pairwise comparison matrix of barriers due to involvement of expert’s opinion as human error. Practical implications The outcome of this paper provides robust practical implication for LSS researchers and practitioners. The researcher and practitioners must consciously concentrate on the identified LSSBs more conventionally during LSS implementation, and they need to plan strategically to avoid any implementation failure. Originality/value For successful implementation of LSS in any organization, it is necessary and permeable to make strategy for controlling LSS barriers at initial stage. So this paper is a leading attempt to highlight main LSS barriers and interrelate them using ISM and MICMAC approach. It provides a clear path for tackling LSS barriers to engineering managers, researchers and consultants.

Exploring Lean Six Sigma implementation barriers in Information Technology industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Adeel Shamsi ◽  
Aftab Alam
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Information Technology Industry ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
It Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present critical barriers and obstacles faced by Information Technology (IT) industry in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) as the business improvement methodology. Design/methodology/approach A literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles, master and doctoral theses, paradigmatic books with managerial impact and survey reports was used to identify distinct barriers. An empirical survey, using 400 self-administered questionnaires, was then conducted. Data about 11 LSS barriers from 256 usable questionnaires, with a response rate of 64 per cent, were collected and analyzed by means of statistical data analysis software. Findings The challenges of “part-time involvement in Lean Six Sigma projects”, “time consuming”, “staff turnover in middle of project”, “difficulty in data collection” and “difficulty in identifying project scope” emerged as the most critical barriers in the context of IT industry. This research work advocates the development of a strategy for addressing the most critical barrier instead of focusing on all for successful implementation. Originality/value This paper will prove to be a fantastic resource for many researchers and practitioners who are engaged in research and applications of LSS in the IT industry. Moreover, the scarcity of literature specific to LSS in IT industry will be addressed to some extent.

Critical review of literature on Lean Six Sigma methodology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anand S. Patel ◽  
Kaushik M. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose This paper aims to develop an initial understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology since its inception and examine the few Lean Six Sigma dimensions as a research domain through a critical review of the literature. Design/methodology/approach The paper is structured in two-part. The first part of the paper attempts to dwell on the evolution of the Lean Philosophy and Six Sigma methodology individually and the emergence of Lean Six Sigma methodology, covered under the Lean Six Sigma: a historical outline section. The second part of the study examines the dimensions associated with Lean Six Sigma such as frameworks, critical success factors, critical failure factors, type of industry, performance metric, year, publisher and journal, based on a total of 223 articles published in 72 reputed journals from the year 2000 to 2019 as a literature review. Findings The adoption of Lean Six Sigma, as a continuous improvement methodology, has grown enormously in the manufacturing and few service sectors such as health care and higher education during the past decade. The study revealed that researchers came out with conceptual frameworks for the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, whereas the validation through case studies seems to be lacking. The integration of Lean Six Sigma and other approaches with a focus on sustainability and the environment has emerged as a research field. A few of the most common critical success and failure factors were identified from the articles studied during the study. Research limitations/implications This paper may not have included some of the studies due to the inaccessibility and selection criteria followed for the study. Originality/value This paper will provide an initial introduction on Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma and research insights Lean Six Sigma to beginners such as students, researchers and entry-level professionals.

Lean Six Sigma in developing countries: evidence from a large Brazilian manufacturing firm

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisson Christian Scheller ◽  
Thayla T. Sousa-Zomer ◽  
Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose Although the literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation has evolved, a deeper understanding of the LSS practices applied in organisations in developing countries is needed. This paper aims to analyse LSS in a manufacturing company in the context of LSS implementation in an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses case-based research. Data collected in a large manufacturing company through multiple sources of evidence were triangulated to derive the findings. This paper analyses aspects related to the implementation of both programmes and their synergy, as well as some critical and failure factors. Findings The main results show that Lean and Six Sigma are applied separately in two different programmes. Some aspects that are necessary to increase the integration of both approaches were identified while considering each phase of the DMAIC and the current approach applied by the company. Although some positive results have been achieved, there are many critical and failure factors that may influence the implementation of both approaches, such as employee training and changes in the organisational environment. Finally, the comprehensive integration of both approaches needs to be undertaken by the company. Research limitations/implications The findings from this single case study cannot be generalised. Practical implications This paper may be used as a guiding reference for managers and consultants to help them when working towards more successful LSS implementation. Originality/value First, this paper investigates LSS in a manufacturing firm located in a developing country; this issue is still seldom addressed in the literature. Second, it may contribute to practitioners’ knowledge by delivering insights into a real context, as well as the relevant issues to be addressed when implementing LSS in similar contexts.

A new framework to support Lean Six Sigma deployment in SMEs

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Abraham Moya ◽  
Daniel Galvez ◽  
Laurent Muller ◽  
Mauricio Camargo
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Organizational Capabilities ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Readiness Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an assessment approach to evaluate the organizational capabilities to deploy a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy. Design/methodology/approach Based on a comprehensive literature review, critical success factors required to deploy LSS were defined. These key factors are evaluated by a questionnaire based on maturity grids and structured as a multi-criteria model to compute a potential LSS performance indicator. This approach is illustrated through two case studies. Findings To promote a successful implementation of LSS in SMEs, it is necessary to consider five main critical factors. The evaluation of these factors could be achieved thanks to a multi-criterion-based maturity indicator for the LSS implementation. The case studies show that this approach allows SMEs to understand their strengths and weaknesses and thus better prepare the implementation of LSS. Research limitations/implications The proposed tool identifies characteristics of companies leading to successful LSS implementation; but is not yet able to provide a detailed strategy to improve them. The case studies were applied to manufacturing companies; therefore, there is no evidence of conclusions in the context of services. Practical implications The proposed methodology will help managers and practitioners to evaluate the readiness level of a company to implement LSS. Then, they could estimate the effort required to achieve the LSS deployment. Originality/value This paper proposes a new metric of the capacity to implement the LSS successfully in SMEs: the Lean Six Sigma Global Index. This indicator is based on a survey completed by managers and supported by observable phenomena to establish a tailored diagnosis before the LSS implementation.

Evaluating the effect of critical failure factors associated with sustainable Lean Six Sigma framework implementation in healthcare organization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikas Swarnakar ◽  
A.R. Singh ◽  
Anil Kr Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Healthcare Organization ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Solution Approach ◽  
Healthcare Environment ◽  
Failure Factors

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to develop a structured hierarchical interrelationship-based model to evaluate the critical failure factors (CFFs) that affect the sustainable Lean Six Sigma (SLSS) framework implementation in a healthcare organization. Further, solution approaches have been provided that guide to eliminate them.Design/methodology/approachThe CFFs has been identified through empirical study and clustered into six major categories for their better understanding. The interrelation among CFFs has been developed through total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and classifies the nature using MICMAC technique. Further, prioritized the CFFs based on its driving and dependents power. The methodology enabled the decision-makers, practitioners to systematically analyze the CFFs and develop a structural model for implementing SLSS in the healthcare environment.FindingsA total of 14 leading CFFs have been identified, and 7-level structured interrelationship-based model has been formed. The experts have provided the solution approach after careful analysis of the developed model. Based on the analysis, it was observed that the significant CFFs affect the deployment of the SLSS framework in healthcare organizations.Research limitations/implicationsThe structured model and methodological approach have been tested in a healthcare organization. In the future, the approach can be applied in the different service sectors.Practical implicationsThe present study has been conducted in a real-time industrial problem. The practitioners, decision-makers and academicians expressed the usefulness of methodology for understanding the CFFs interrelation and their effect on SLSS implementation. This study also guides decision-makers to systematically tackle related problems.Originality/valueThe development of a structured CFFs based model for SLSS framework implementation using the integrated TISM-MICMAC with a detailed solution approach is a unique effort in a healthcare environment.

scholarly journals Lean Six Sigma implementation in East Africa: findings from a pilot study

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 772-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Douglas ◽  
Jacqueline Douglas ◽  
Jacqueline Ochieng
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
East Africa ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
East African ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Training Courses

Purpose – This paper reports the results of a pilot study on the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in East African service and manufacturing organizations. The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical success factors for implementation of such a strategy as well as any barriers. A further aim was to determine the knowledge, usage and usefulness of LSS tools and techniques within those organizations. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach was taken utilizing a survey questionnaire which was sent to a sample of organization employees who had attended Yellow, Green or Black Belt LSS training courses organized by the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi. Employees attending such courses came from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. Findings – Results indicate that the most useful tools are most of the original seven tools of quality improvement proposed by Ishikawa over 50 years ago and the most important factor for successful implementation of LSS is management involvement and participation. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation is that this is a pilot study so to confirm the findings a full survey of East African organization needs to be undertaken. Practical implications – The findings have implications for trainers, consultants and practitioners with regards to the implementation of LSS within organizations as well as the focus of the content of LSS training courses. Originality/value – This paper reports the first study on the implementation of LSS in East Africa and will be of value to practitioners, trainers, consultants and researchers of LSS in East Africa and beyond.

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