Knowledge-based lean six sigma system for enhancing quality management performance in healthcare environment

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousuf Nasser Al Khamisi ◽  
M. Khurshid Khan ◽  
J. Eduardo Munive-Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based

PurposeThis paper aims to present the development of a knowledge-based system (KBS) to support the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (L6s) principles applied to enhance quality management (QM) performance within a health-care environment. Design/methodology/approachThe process of KBS building has been started by acquiring knowledge from experts in field of L6σ and QM in health care. The acquired knowledge has been represented in a rule-based approach for capturing L6σ practices. These rules are produced in IF […].THEN way where IF is the premise and THEN is the action. The produced rules have been integrated with gauging absence pre-requisites (GAP) technique to facilitate benchmarking of best practice in a health-care environment. A comprehensive review of the structure of the system is given, detailing a typical output of the KBS. FindingsImplementation of L6s principles to enhance QM performance in a health-care environment requires a pre-assessment of the organisation’s competences. The KBS provides an enhanced strategic and operational decision-making hierarchy for achieving a performance benchmark. Research limitations/implicationsThe KBS needs validation in real health-care environment, which will be done in Oman’s hospitals. Practical implicationsThe paper is intended to benefit QM practitioners in the health-care sector during decision-making to achieve performance improvement against a best practice benchmark. Originality/valueThis research presents a novel application of a hybrid KBS with GAP methodology to support the implementation of L6s principles to enhance QM performance in a health-care environment.

scholarly journals Knowledge-based Lean Six Sigma maintenance system for sustainable buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasim Aldairi ◽  
M.K. Khan ◽  
J. Eduardo Munive-Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Rule Base ◽  
Sustainable Buildings ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Knowledge Based

Purpose This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based (KB) system for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) maintenance in environmentally sustainable buildings (Lean6-SBM). Design/methodology/approach The Lean6-SBM conceptual framework has been developed using the rule base approach of KB system and joint integration with gauge absence prerequisites (GAP) technique. A comprehensive literature review is given for the main pillars of the framework with a typical output of GAP analysis. Findings Implementation of LSS in the sustainable building maintenance context requires a pre-assessment of the organisation’s capabilities. A conceptual framework with a design structure is proposed to tackle this issue with the provision of an enhancing strategic and operational decision-making hierarchy. Research limitations/implications Future research work might consider validating this framework in other type of industries. Practical implications Maintenance activities in environmentally sustainable buildings must take prodigious standards into consideration, and, therefore, a robust quality assurance measure has to be integrated. Originality/value The significance of this research is to present a novel use of hybrid KB/GAP methodologies to develop a Lean6-SBM system. The originality and novelty of this approach will assist in identifying quality perspectives while implementing different maintenance strategies in the sustainable building context.

Role of internal service quality in enhancing patient centricity and internal customer satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyan Prakash ◽  
Shefali Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Patient Centred Care ◽  
Internal Customer ◽  
Organisational Support

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the antecedents and outcomes of internal service quality (ISQ) in a health-care environment. The relationships among the heterogeneous health-care environment, coordinated care, perceived organisational support (POS), ISQ, internal customer satisfaction and patient-centred care were explored. Design/methodology/approach Based on a review of the literature, a structural model was developed. A 37-item questionnaire was circulated among service providers in the health-care system, including doctors, nurses and system staff, all over India. The random sampling method was adopted to collect data. A total of 238 valid responses were received. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Findings The results show that the heterogeneous environment, coordinated care and POS act as antecedents of ISQ, which drives internal customer satisfaction and patient centricity in health care. Research limitations/implications The paper contributes to the health-care literature by identifying the antecedents and consequences of ISQ and developing a structural relationship among ISQ, the heterogeneous health-care environment, coordinated care, POS, internal customer satisfaction and patient-centred care. Practical implications Hospital administrators may use various constructs of POS, ISQ and coordinated care to measure process and employee performance, which may aid the design of appropriate processes and improve employee selection. The constructs of patient centricity and internal customer satisfaction may be used as benchmarking tools to facilitate the formulation of immediate corrective actions and policies for future courses of action. Social implications This paper highlights how patient centricity may be achieved by focussing on ISQ, coordinated care processes and a facilitative internal environment. This understanding may aid the design of processes that in turn deliver health as a social good in an effective manner. Originality/value This paper extends past research on ISQ by showing that ISQ affects internal customer satisfaction and, in turn, the quality of service delivery in the system. In the health-care context, heterogeneity in patient needs, coordinated care and organisational support play crucial roles in determining ISQ, which in turn influences the level of patient-centred care.

Improving logistics supplier selection process using lean six sigma – an action research case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huay Ling Tay ◽  
Hui Sen Aw
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Health Care Company ◽  
Care Company

Purpose Outsourcing logistical activities have become a widely used approach for firms to avoid high fixed costs and heavy investment requirements and to achieve competitive advantages. Lean six sigma (LSS) has been accepted globally across sectors as a management strategy for achieving process excellence. The purpose of this paper is to feature the application of LSS for improving the supplier selection process (SSP) of outsourced logistics services in a multinational health-care company. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an action research case study conducted on the SSP of the freight and distribution department in a multinational health-care company. This paper reports on the application of the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) approach for reducing supplier selection lead time. Findings The study features a real-world case study of the LSS DMAIC application to improve the supplier selection process of a large health-care company. The key issues that were identified are lack of information visibility, top-down changes and unclear communication lines. To counteract these three root causes, the lean six sigma techniques that are implemented are the 5S, stakeholder analysis and standard operating procedure. Research limitations/implications This research provided empirical evidence of how practical challenges in SSP can be managed with the use of LSS. It further proposed plausible solutions for reducing and sustaining improved outcomes. As the study is limited to one case, the validity of the results can be improved by including more organisations and more case studies from other similar organisations. Originality/value Research in supplier selection processes rarely links continuous improvement ideology such as LSS to support strategic selection and procurement of logistics services. This paper could serve as a resource for both practitioners to derive useful implications and to academicians as it contributes to the LSS body of knowledge for further theory testing.

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.

Implementation of Lean Six Sigma in Saudi Arabian organisations

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saja Ahmed Albliwi ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Norin Arshed ◽  
Abhijeet Ghadge
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Saudi Arabian ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Although the popularity of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology has illustrated many benefits over the years for those organisations who have implemented it, this strategy has received less attention in developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the current status of LSS implementation in Saudi Arabian organisations. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on a descriptive survey questionnaire which has been derived from two systematic literature reviews. The survey was distributed to 400 organisations in Saudi Arabia using Qualtrics online software. In total, 146 responses were received where 102 responses were completed and analysed. Findings The findings of the survey highlighted that the implementation of LSS is still in the early stages in organisations within Saudi Arabia. This was clearly shown by many factors such as years of deploying LSS, LSS infrastructure, level of awareness of LSS, impact of LSS on business functions and so on. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of this study is that data has been collected from an online survey and therefore no deeper insights could have been captured from the survey. This calls for future research to be undertaken by executing semi-structured interviews in selective organisations within Saudi Arabia. Originality/value This paper contributes to the current status of LSS in Saudi Arabian organisations. It also gives recommendations to guide the future of LSS in Saudi organisations by comparing LSS literature with best practice.

Not for the faint of heart

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Urban ◽  
Elizabeth Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Institutional Ethnography ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Collection Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Data Collection Method ◽  
Health Care Context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to share two researcher's experience about the challenges associated with shadowing within the health care context. Design/methodology/approach – Institutional ethnography and shadowing. Findings – Shadowing is increasingly being used as a data collection method, however, before proceeding to use this approach in today's health care environment, the researcher must give thoughtful consideration to the context. Originality/value – This paper provides a reflexive elaboration of the differences between the insider and outsider perspective when using the shadowing data collection method within health care organizations.

Health Literacy: A Brief Primer for the Otolaryngologist

2016 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechukwu C. Megwalu
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Vital Sign ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Newest Vital Sign

Health literacy has been shown to affect outcomes in a number of medical conditions. Despite the complexity of care that is often required among otolaryngology patients, the literature on health literacy in this field is sparse. Otolaryngologists need to be aware of issues related to health literacy due to the changing health care environment. The increased complexity of medical care, the greater involvement of patients in shared decision making, and the higher administrative burden on patients have increased their health literacy requirements. Assessing health literacy in clinical practice may help identify patients who might require additional help in navigating the health care system. The Brief Health Literacy Screen and the Newest Vital Sign are 2 measures that are easy to apply in clinical practice.

Bridging theory and practice with Lean Six Sigma capstone design projects

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilda Cecilia Martínez León
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Knowledge Based Economy ◽  
Pilot Implementation ◽  
Capstone Design

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the challenges academics face today in developing a knowledge-based economy. In response to these challenges, the authors developed a collaborative approach to enhancing the learning experience for engineering management (or industrial engineering) capstone design courses. The core of this approach is the problem-based learning through the execution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects implemented via university–industry partnerships. The ultimate goal of this approach is to facilitate the integration and application of theoretical knowledge while promoting the development of professional skills in undergraduate students as demanded by business organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe framework is firmly grounded in theory and methods from project management and quality management, and LSS literature and was tested in an engineering and management capstone design course at the author’s university. The case study presented here offers a detailed analysis of the design and implementation of the proposed framework. The authors also present the results of a survey conducted to assess the extent to which the proposed approach contributes to bridging the gap between theory and practice.FindingsResults from the pilot implementation and survey results revealed that students who took the enhanced LSS capstone course felt that their projects helped them gain a better understanding on how to apply the theory to practical situations while preparing them to approach and solve problems in real-world settings confidentially. The authors also found that the LSS green belt certification helped recent graduates to transition to the workforce more easily, gain more credibility among coworkers and supervisors and make contributions quicker than other new hires, get the job they wanted faster and overall advance in their careers.Originality/valueThe framework is a composition of best practices used in a variety of universities and industries. While the majority of the LSS university-based programs are typically offered at the graduate level and with limited (support for) project executions, the framework proposed here provides the infrastructure for solid company staff-student team collaborations on projects executed from inception to implementation.

Impact of Industry4.0/ICTs, Lean Six Sigma and quality management systems on organisational performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeraj Yadav ◽  
Ravi Shankar ◽  
Surya Prakash Singh
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Inventory Level ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference

PurposeThis paper compares impact of Industry 4.0 / emerging information and communication Technologies (ICTs), for example, Internet of things (IOT), machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and cloud computing, on 22 organisational performance indicators under nine combinations of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and quality management systems (QMS).Design/methodology/approachSurvey of 105 Indian organisations was done about their experience of using QMS, Lean Six Sigma and emerging ICTs. Respondents included both manufacturing and service enterprises of different scales and sectors. The responses collected were compared, and statistically significant difference among them was evaluated using chi-square test.FindingsThe study confirmed statistically significant difference among 20 organisational performance indicators under different combinations of QMS, LSS and ICTs. These indicators include quality performance, delivery performance, sales turnover, inventory level and so forth. However, for two indicators, namely, absenteeism and throughput, significant difference in responses was not established.Research limitations/implicationsAll possible combinations of QMS, LSS, only LSS tools and ICTs were not studied because of either theoretical impossibility (e.g. using LSS without LSS tools) or practically rare situations (e.g. organisations using ICTs and LSS without QMS). Furthermore, the impact from different sequences of implementing QMS, LSS and ICTs can be studied.Practical implicationsUsing this study, practitioners can identify which LSS, Quality System and ICT combination results in best performance and quick success. On theoretical front, the study confirms impact of LSS and QMS on organisational performance.Originality/valueThis study evaluates organisational performance under several possible combinations of QMS, LSS, and emerging ICTs, which was so far unexplored.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document