Requirements, challenges and impacts of Lean Six Sigma applications – a narrative synthesis of qualitative research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Alblooshi ◽  
Mohammad Shamsuzzaman ◽  
Michael Boon Chong Khoo ◽  
Abdur Rahim ◽  
Salah Haridy
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Impact Category ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Narrative Synthesis ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Studies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, present and categorise the main requirements, challenges and impacts of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) applications. Emphasis is given to the soft impacts of LSS applications, which are intangible in nature and difficult to quantify and measure, highlighting the most frequently cited ones. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative synthesis of the studies using the narrative synthesis approach is adopted to descriptively summarise and categorise the requirements, challenges and impacts of LSS applications. The studies were searched by using the following keywords: “LSS applications,” “LSS requirements,” “LSS challenges” and “LSS impacts” in almost all major electronic databases such as Emerald, Taylor and Francis, ScienceDirect and Wiley. A total of 116 articles published between 2007 and 2017 in 41 academic journals were collected and reviewed. Consideration was also given to a number of substantial publications in 2006, 2018 and 2019. Findings In addition to its process efficiency and financial impacts, LSS was found to have another impact category related to individual and organisational behaviours. Management commitment, training and organisational culture were concluded to be amongst the most important and required categories for successful LSS applications. It was also found that the lack of awareness of LSS tools and benefits and the lack of change management and resistance to change were amongst the most cited categories of implementation challenges. Research limitations/implications The studies published between 2007 and 2017 are mainly considered in this paper. It is believed that 10-year publication period considered in this research is sufficient to study the evolution, benefits, limitations and future trends of a particular research topic. However, the exclusion criteria used in the search process with respect to the articles’ year of publication and search terms and keywords may limit the generalisation of the research findings. In addition, the qualitative nature of this research study and the lack of empirical data to support its findings is another limitation that future research should consider. Practical implications This research paper may serve as a valuable source of information for LSS researchers as it will provide them with useful and new insights and directions for further research in LSS. It will also increase the awareness of LSS practitioners about the kind of impact LSS has, and therefore, achieve a better utilisation of its tools by ensuring availability of application requirements and overcoming application challenges. Originality/value This study differs from previous research studies as it focusses attention on the soft impacts of LSS applications and highlights them. The study identifies and prioritises LSS application impacts, requirements and challenges. The study on these aspects was found to be limited and lacking in previous research studies.

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.

A systematic literature review of lean six sigma adoption in European organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos A. Panayiotou ◽  
Konstantinos E. Stergiou
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Complete Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
European Institutions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European institutions to extract useful conclusions about LSS adoption in European companies and to suggest direction for future research concerning the broader LSS application in them. Design/methodology/approach This study has been conducted by reviewing 58 papers, found in top journals, coming from European institutions that present studies of European companies and fulfill the selected inclusion criteria. Findings The analysis of the literature revealed the level of penetration of the LSS methodology in organizations of each European country. The study of the papers revealed the sectors and the size of companies that are more active in LSS application, the method used in each project, the tools which are deployed and the interconnection between LSS and other topics through the project implementation. Research limitations/implications The limited access provided by the authors’ institution only to three major publishers (Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis) and the focus of the search only in European organizations were the main limitations of this review. Practical implications This paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights about LSS implementation in European organizations, presenting a complete analysis framework of the literature and highlighting gaps for further research. Originality/value An extended and detailed analysis of LSS adoption in Europe has not been conducted before. This review presents a clear view about how LSS projects in European organization have been applied so far and suggests ways of how the literature could be enriched to facilitate the LSS implementation.

Lean, Six Sigma and its influence on potential and realized absorptive capacity

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Muraliraj ◽  
S. Kuppusamy ◽  
Suhaiza Zailani ◽  
C. Santha
Keyword(s):  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Differential Outcomes ◽  
Realized Absorptive Capacity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how Lean and Six Sigma’s distinctive practices relate to potential absorptive capacity (PACAP) and realized absorptive capacity (RACAP). The paper seeks to understand which of the practices in Lean Six Sigma are needed to manage absorptive capacity systematically. Design/methodology/approach Partial least square based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the theoretical model drawing on a sample of 125 manufacturing organizations in Malaysia. In addition to examining direct effects, the study also examines indirect effects using bootstrapping method to identify possible mediation effects proposed in the model. Findings The results explain that Lean’s social practices (LSP), Six Sigma’s roles structure (RS) and structured improvement procedure (SIP) positively influence potential absorptive capacity (PACAP). Meanwhile LSP, RS and focus on metrics (FOM) positively influence realized absorptive capacity (RACAP). SIP was found to influence RACAP through PACAP. The analysis reveals the combination of Lean Six Sigma practices that are required in managing PACAP and RACAP differentially. Research limitations/implications The study is only confined to manufacturing industries in Peninsular Malaysia. Data collected were cross-sectional in nature. The application of Lean Six Sigma and how it influences absorptive capacity may get sturdier across time, and this may change the effect toward sustainability of firm’s competitive advantage. A longitudinal study may be useful in that context. The study also makes specific recommendations for future research. Practical implications The results of this study can be used by Lean Six Sigma practitioners to prioritize the implementation of Lean Six Sigma practices to develop absorptive capacity of the organization through PACAP and RACAP, which needs to be managed differentially as they exert differential outcomes. This would enable organizations to tactfully navigate and balance between PACAP and RACAP in accordance to business strategies and market conditions. Originality/value Absorptive capacity in Lean and Six Sigma context has largely been studied as a unidimensional construct or used as a grounding theoretical support. Therefore, understanding the multidimensionality through PACAP and RACAP provide insights on how to enhance and maneuver absorptive capacity through Lean Six Sigma systematically. The findings may pave the way for future research in enhancing the current knowledge threshold in Lean Six Sigma.

Lean Six Sigma for small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Alexander ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Bryan Rodgers
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Systematic Review Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common themes within Lean Six Sigma (LSS) relating to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within manufacturing organisations and to identify the research gaps in the existing literature. Design/methodology/approach Tranfield et al.’s (2003) systematic review methodology was utilised encompassing three stages: planning, conducting and reporting/dissemination. Findings The literature revealed that there are many areas in which LSS has been utilised with varying successes. In total, 52 journals have been reviewed and it has been concluded that although LSS is a powerful methodology, there are many gaps that exist in the literature and further research is needed to address these in the field of LSS. Research limitations/implications The papers included in the systematic review were peer-reviewed papers available in English. Due to these limitations, relevant papers may have been excluded. Moreover, the authors have excluded all conference and white papers for their inclusion in this study. Practical implications It is vital that LSS practitioners are fully aware of the benefits, limitations and impeding factors when implementing a LSS initiative. Therefore, this paper could provide valuable insights to ensuring maximum value, is obtained from LSS implementation in SMEs. Originality/value This systematic review identifies research gaps in the current literature and highlighting areas of future research which will be beneficial to many SMEs in their pursuit of value optimisation.

Celebrating a decade of International Journal of Lean Six Sigma – a bibliometric analysis to uncover the “as is” and “to be” states

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Puram ◽  
Anand Gurumurthy
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) has completed a decade. To celebrate the same, this study aims to review the articles published in IJLSS from its inception to the year 2020. The journal’s trends and professional impact over the years are investigated and potential future research directions are proposed. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis comprising of citation, co-citation and keyword co-occurrence methods is used on all the articles published in IJLSS till the year 2020. Content analysis is further done to analyse the type of research, type of industry studied and the articles’ target audience. Findings The journal has improved its reputation, productivity and impact over the years. Currently, studies published in IJLSS have been cited more than 5,000 times, with the most prominent themes being Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Lean in manufacturing and services. Researchers from India, the USA and the UK have contributed a significant number of publications. Most of the work published is case-based. There is a need for more empirical or survey-based research having high generalizability. Future studies should also focus on integrating LSS with emerging topics such as sustainability, Industry 4.0 and the like. Research limitations/implications The study provides evidence of the impact of IJLSS and highlights the trend in the domain of LSS. It can be of use for the editorial board members to identify potential areas to focus on in the future. Researchers can use it to further their research by working on the research gaps identified. Originality/value This paper is the first to trace the progress of IJLSS from its inception till the year 2020.

Employees factors importance in Lean Six Sigma concept

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 774-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Spasojevic Brkic ◽  
Branislav Tomic
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Control ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Response Variables

Purpose – Lean management and Six Sigma concepts are derived from two different points of view, but it is evident that the role of employees is crucial in both concepts. The purpose of this paper is to survey which employees’ behaviour dimensions can lead organization to better concepts integration and how Lean Six Sigma activity contributes to employees’ performance. Design/methodology/approach – Research methodology is designed to empirically check, on large sample of companies in multinational company supply chain, if employees’ factors are both predictor and response variables of Lean Six Sigma concept. To check stated hypothesis factor, reliability and multiple regression analysis are used. Findings – The first finding of this study is that reward system and training are significant predictors of Lean Six Sigma activities. The second part of findings shows that Lean Six Sigma dimensions, such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control/Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Validate, 5S and Kanban positively influences employees’ performance, described by employee satisfaction, absenteeism, salaries and benefits, employees’ commitment and employee turnover rate. Research limitations/implications – Poka-Yoke application is not found as a significant predictor of employees’ performance. Accordingly, to explore that interesting finding, possible future research topic is more detailed analysis of Poka-Yoke application in similar supply chains. A longitudinal analysis using structural equation is possible direction of future work, too. Practical implications – This survey answers the need for Lean and Six Sigma unified methodology achievement in soft factors area and gives applicable results for companies in supply chain that produces low-volume, high-complexity products. Originality/value – Original and valuable conclusion is that employees’ factors are both predictor and response variables of Lean Six Sigma concept application.

Top ten reasons for process improvement project failures

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 367-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Sandeep Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Recognition System ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide the top ten reasons of process improvement projects termination or failure to Lean and Six Sigma professionals and researchers. Design/methodology/approach The top ten reasons of process improvement projects termination or failure are based on literature, interaction of authors with Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts, consultants, practitioners and trainers on various topics of Lean, Six Sigma, general quality management and continuous improvement along several years’ experience of the authors. Findings The top ten reasons in our opinion include lack of commitment and support from top management; poor communication practices; incompetent team; inadequate training and learning; faulty selection of process improvement methodology and its associated tools/techniques; inappropriate rewards and recognition system/culture; scope creepiness; sub-optimal team size and composition; inconsistent monitoring and control; and resistance to change. Research limitations/implications The top ten reasons mentioned in this study are based on only literature and authors’ opinion. The authors of this paper have been pursuing a global study to critically evaluate the reasons behind process improvement projects failure based on a case-study approach. Originality/value The chief operations officers and senior executives of various businesses can use these top ten reasons to develop project failure risk mitigation strategies and save significant cash-savings associated with such project terminations or failures in some other cases.

Lean Six Sigma: a categorized review of the literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunjan Yadav ◽  
Tushar N. Desai
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Multiple Parameters ◽  
Research Types

Purpose – Literature reviews in the field of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) are often substantially less stringently portrayed than other empirical research. The purpose of this paper is to lucubrate on clarifying emerging aspects, trends and importance of LSS through reviewing the published literature over multiple parameters for a ameliorating and trenchant view. Design/methodology/approach – In the present study, a literature review of LSS articles is carried out over the time horizon of 14 years from referred peer-reviewed journals in business and management disciplines, information systems and computer science, engineering, healthcare, etc. While carrying out the literature review, various distinct dimensions are considered, such as publication years and journals, countries, research design, research type and application sector within industries. A descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by gap identification and future research opportunities. Findings – LSS research is growing rapidly, covering various disciplines and domains with a great focus on LSS tools and techniques; empirical research is dominant with more emphasis on case study approach; and growing gap between manufacturing- and service-focused articles implies return of LSS to manufacturing as its initial base. Originality/value – The review analysis entirely focuses on descriptive statistics of empirical research in LSS. The sample size includes 189 shortlisted articles in 58 journals published over a time span of 14 years (2001-2014). The paper provides both academicians and practitioners a better panorama to understand the present status of LSS for pursuing rigorous LSS research through explicating chronological emergence, challenging themes, dominating research types and application areas in LSS.

Lean Six Sigma in consumer banking – an empirical inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaya Sunder M. ◽  
L.S. Ganesh ◽  
Rahul R. Marathe
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The evolution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) within the operations management theory has enjoyed significant success in both manufacturing and services. Though the applicability of LSS is evident in the services sector through various publications, academic research on the use of LSS in the Banking and Financial Services (BFS) is limited, and hence deserves greater attention. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application of LSS in consumer banking in real-time setting. Design/methodology/approach A case study method is used to study the application of LSS in two consumer banks with stage 1 featuring identification of appropriate consumer banks where LSS projects could be undertaken, and suitable LSS readiness assessment was performed. In stage 2, LSS project opportunities were identified in the select banks through stakeholder engagement. Finally, in stage 3, LSS projects were executed for process improvements in a real-time setting. Findings The case studies provide evidence of the successful application of LSS in consumer banking and the associated multiple benefits. The extent of applicability and appropriate managerial implications in project management context are elaborated. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study. Further, the study explains five important managerial implications in BFS context, with an outlook for future research. Research limitations/implications Practitioner research shows that BFS organizations have changed their ways of working by adapting LSS over the last decade. However, the academic research concerning the applicability of LSS in BFS is apparently limited, and none of these are specific to “consumer banking.” This study serves as a strong foundation for future research in this area, which is at its nascence and upcoming in the researchers’ community. However, strong generalizations should not be made as this study is limited to two cases. Practical implications Since the cases are executed in the real-time setup of consumer banks, the paper has several practical implications. First, the paper confirms the applicability of LSS in consumer banking and concludes that LSS project management is merely a sub-set of LSS deployment. Second, LSS needs to be understood using a “systems thinking” perspective in order to move away from a narrow project-only approach. An LSS project selection criterion is recommended as a part of the study, which could serve as a managerial resource. Other managerial implications include effective management of stakeholders and change leadership as essential elements of LSS project management in banks. Originality/value LSS has been successful in the past few decades in the manufacturing and service sectors. However, its application in BFS is limited. This study illustrates the applicability of LSS in consumer banks, which deals with high volumes of data, customer bases and associated financial transactions.

An outline of the “Control Phase” for implementing Lean Six Sigma

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Sarkar ◽  
Arup Ranjan Mukhopadhyay ◽  
Sadhan Kumar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Control Mechanism ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Procedure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Phase ◽  
Dominance Pattern

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a guideline of the control procedure and tools depending on dominance pattern. In Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation, the control phase plays a vital role in sustaining the gains achieved from the improvement phase. The process control schemes should be developed by studying the process dominance pattern as suggested by Juran. Design/methodology/approach – Discussion has been made on identification of various methods with the help of a few real life examples for effective LSS implementation. Findings – The dominance pattern helps in identifying the control mechanism. However, with the advent of new business processes, the dominance pattern needs a little bit of modification. Research limitations/implications – The case studies mainly are from the manufacturing sector and one from the service sector, where authors have studied the control mechanism. There exists scope of future research in service sector for adequate representation. Originality/value – The treatise provides a road map to the practitioners for an effective implementation of the control phase in LSS. It is also expected to provide the scope of future work in this direction for both researchers and practitioners.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document