Assessing the change process of Lean Six Sigma: a case analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suriya Lertwattanapongchai ◽  
Fredric William Swierczek
Keyword(s):  
Change Management ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Project Design ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Combination

Purpose – This paper aims to present an integrative conceptual framework of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) as a project and an organizational change process. To assess the process, the LSS success factors are identified. Their impact on both project outcomes and people is determined. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth review of success factors resulted in a set of indicators related both to the LSS factors and to the change process. A comparative case analysis of three multinational companies (MNCs) implementing LSS in Thailand is presented. The indicators were used to identify patterns in the cases related to effective implementation through content analysis. Findings – The case analysis showed that an effective combination of a strong LSS project design and a comprehensive change management process achieved positive impacts in business results, employee learning and job satisfaction. Practical implications – To be successful LSS cannot only focus on a good project design. Champions and key practitioners must also apply best practices in change management. Originality/value – There are few examples of the integration of LSS project design and the change management process in Asia. Additionally, the case analysis focuses on examples of MNC operations in Thailand. The research supported the importance of integrating change management and project management for success.

Analyzing the critical success factors influencing Lean Six Sigma implementation: fuzzy DEMATEL approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shruti J. Raval ◽  
Ravi Kant ◽  
Ravi Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Impacting Factors

Purpose Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is receiving a tremendous attention as a modern process of streaming to improve the organizational ability and customer satisfaction. A successful LSS implementation is influenced by various factors and the execution of all the influencing factors simultaneously is a very difficult task for any organization. From the perspective of limitation of resources, this paper aims to present a basic issue in an LSS implementation of clustering complex and impacting factors into groups to achieve them in a stepwise manner. This paper aims to present a fundamental issue of clustering the complex and impacting factors of an LSS implementation into groups to achieve them stepwise. Design/methodology/approach A total of 40 relevant influencing factors toward an LSS implementation have been identified from the extensive literature review and duly validated with experts’ opinions. Integrated fuzzy set theory and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach are demonstrated to explore the causal relationships among influencing factors of the LSS implementation. An empirical case analysis of an Indian manufacturing organization is carried out to illustrate the utilization of the proposed model. Findings The proposed framework effectively finds out the significance of each influencing factor of an LSS implementation and clustered into cause–effect groups. As per the results of the empirical case analysis, ten critical success factors (CSFs) of the LSS implementation are evaluated for the successful LSS implementation. Top management pays more attention to achieve them and implement them in a phase-wise approach under the limitations of accessible resources. Research limitations/implications The presented framework provides an effective, precise and systematic decision support tool for recognizing CSFs of the LSS implementation. The organization, decision-makers, industrial practitioners and academic researchers may be able to comprehend the cause–effect relationship of the influencing factors of the LSS implementation. The exploratory nature and the single case study are two major limitations of this analysis. The developed model is heavily dependent on the experts’ opinions; hence, any bias in judgment will influence the final result. Originality/value This analysis is the first of its kind of effort, according to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to classify the influencing factors of LSS implementation into the cause–effect cluster. The outcomes of this analysis make the complexity of a problem easier in handling and assisting the decision-making.

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

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

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

Identify critical success factors to implement integrated green and Lean Six Sigma

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mrigendra Nath Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Comparative Investigation ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is analysis of Green and Lean Six Sigma, based on the success factors in its use through a well thought-out literature review, is being planned; a framework has been integrated in a productive manner with the Green and Lean and Six Sigma methods so as to incorporate and actualize the execution. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consists of comparative investigation of Green, Lean management and Six Sigma using open written work, essential analysis at data and master experience of the researchers. To achieve this goal, a significant review of the existing literature of the subject area has been done to prepare a framework in view of the critical success factors. A study was arranged and flowed survey from various businesses utilizing John’s Macintosh Project (JMP) statistical software. Findings The paper establishes the distinguishing proof of five success factors with their situational importance and shows that the integrated Green and Lean Six Sigma can drive the organizations to optimize their resources and cost of services or productions. Practical implications A Green and Lean Six Sigma organization would take profits by the use of the proposed framework in an alternate extent of organizations should be dynamic. The organizations should assess their shortcomings and qualities, set needs and perceive objectives for fruitful implementation. Originality/value Suggestions are being made regarding thoughts and methods that would constitute a Green and Lean Six Sigma organization. The suggested framework compare the method for improvements that may occur in organizations while implementation of the Green and Lean management or Six Sigma.

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.

scholarly journals Forces affecting one Lean Six Sigma adoption process

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Assarlind ◽  
Lise Aaboen
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Future Success ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Current Point

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify forces (in the form of converters and inhibitors) of Lean Six Sigma adoption by studying the gradual adoption of Lean Six Sigma in a medium-sized Swedish manufacturing company. The paper suggests how the converters and inhibitors interact toward increased maturity of the adoption and, in this case, stagnation thereof. Design/methodology/approach – Thirteen interviews were recorded and analyzed to identify converters that were moving the process forward or backward, as well as inhibitors that caused it to linger. Findings – It was discovered that activities that had initially moved the process forward were not sufficient to move it beyond its current point. However, an increased knowledge of Lean Six Sigma throughout the organization now prevents the process from moving in the opposite direction. In this medium-sized Swedish manufacturing company, Lean Six Sigma becomes a framework for thought and communication during Lean work. Research limitations/implications – The study benefited from considering forces pushing the process forward as well as backward. Thus, the authors suggest that future studies will benefit from focusing beyond critical success factors that may at times are static in nature. As a limitation, for discussions about the past, the memories of interviewees, generally, may have a tendency to be biased. Originality/value – The paper contributes knowledge of Lean Six Sigma adoptions and how they may attain greater future success by reporting on difficulties and setbacks in the current gradual adoption process in a chosen company.

Implementing a Lean Six Sigma standardized toolset in a manufacturing company: a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos A. Panayiotou ◽  
Konstantinos E. Stergiou ◽  
Vassilis Chronopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Company

PurposeThe first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) in LSS adoption and to find out the benefits that the company gained. The second purpose is to propose a standardized toolset based on DMAIC phases, for the application of LSS in small scale projects, in order to facilitate LSS adoption by more manufacturing companies.Design/methodology/approachThis case study is based on the interlacement of the Yin's method about case studies and the DMAIC method for the improved deployment of LSS.FindingsThe analysis of this case study shows that the company attained to benefit financially, operationally and organizationally from the implementation of LSS. The already existing mentality of CI inside the company helped the project procedure and the application of changes and improvements fulfilling LSS adoption CSFs.Practical implicationsThe paper constructs a toolset and studies the role of CSFs in order to achieve the desirable benefits in a manufacturing environment, constituting a guide for future LSS initiatives.Originality/valueAs stated by literature reviews, even though there are several papers concerning LSS implementation in the manufacturing sector, there is a need for more case studies papers, such as this one, in order to enrich the literature. In this paper, it is also the first time that a specific toolset for small scale projects is proposed based on to DMAIC which can be implemented in further LSS projects.

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.

Critical success factors for lean six sigma in quality 4.0

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeraj Yadav ◽  
Ravi Shankar ◽  
Surya Prakash Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Seamless Integration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Set Up

Purpose Critical success factors (CSF) for lean six sigma (LSS) using quality 4.0 are not researched so far. This study aims to bridge this gap. It also validates CSF already identified for LSS under conventional technologies. Design methodology approach Empirical research using the questionnaire method is conducted. Construct of the questionnaire is checked using Cronbach’s alpha and responses received are analysed using t-test and exploratory factor analysis. Findings In total, 20 factors are evaluated for LSS success. It includes 7 factors related to quality 4.0 technologies and 13 related to the conventional set-up. All 7 quality 4.0 related factors were found critical; whereas, under traditional set-up, 11 factors out of 13 were found critical. Practical implications The study will help enterprises in the fast and effective adoption of quality 4.0 and seamless integration with LSS. The post-Covid-19 business scenario is expected to be information technology focussed. The findings of this study will be useful in these circumstances. Consultants and practitioners can prioritise their efforts based on newly identified CSF. The new revelation about CSF for LSS in quality 4.0 enriches theory as well. Social implications Developing skills based on newly identified CSF will help people in remaining employable in the era of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence which is otherwise ill-famed for destroying jobs. Originality value CSF for LSS using quality 4.0 is a new contribution. It differentiates CSF established earlier for conventional technologies. Moreover, many CSF are common for LSS and industry 4.0, therefore this study will also help in smoother adoption of industry 4.0/quality 4.0 in organisations.

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.

scholarly journals The implementation of Lean Six Sigma for operational excellence in digital emerging technology companies

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 260-284
Author(s):  
Bart A. Lameijer ◽  
Wilmer Pereira ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Emerging Technology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technology Industry ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Operational Excellence

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to develop a better understanding of the hurdles in implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for operational excellence in digital emerging technology companies.Design/methodology/approachWe have conducted case studies of LSS implementations in six US-based companies in the digital emerging technology industry.FindingsCritical success factors (CSF) for LSS implementations in digital emerging technology companies are: (1) organizational leadership that is engaged to the implementation, (2) LSS methodology that is rebranded to fit existing shared values in the organization, (3) restructuring of the traditional LSS training program to include a more incremental, prioritized, on-the-job training approach and (4) a modified LSS project execution methodology that includes (a) condensing the phases and tools applied in LSS projects and (b) adopting more iterative project management methods compared to the standard phased LSS project approach.Research limitations/implicationsThe qualitative nature of our analysis and the geographic coverage of our sample limit the generalizability of our findings.Practical implicationsImplications comprise the awareness and knowledge of critical success factors and LSS methodology modifications specifically relevant for digital emerging technology companies or companies that share similarities in terms of focus on product development, innovation and growth, such as R&D departments in high-tech manufacturing companies.Originality/valueResearch on industry-specific enablers for successful LSS implementation in the digital emerging technology industry is virtually absent. Our research informs practitioners on how to implement LSS in this and alike industries, and points to aspects of such implementations that are worthy of further attention from the academic community.

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