A theoretical and statistical approach of Six Sigma differentiation from other quality systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Ismyrlis ◽  
Odysseas Moschidis
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Greek Organizations ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Business Sectors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate in which management aspects could Six Sigma (SS) methodology help the organization that implements it. Another subject to be examined is the integration of SS and other quality management systems (QMSs) in practice and in a theoretical way. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was addressed to 146 Greek companies of all business sectors, with at least one QMS; here was ISO 9001:2008. It included questions concerning the importance of the critical success factors (CSFs) of QMSs and performance measures after the implementation of ISO 9001. Correspondence analysis was used for the analysis of the data. A theoretical investigation in literature was also accomplished to express the characteristic aspects of SS. Findings Companies implementing SS seemed to outperform the companies without it, in the importance given in most CSFs and equally in the performance measures. People-oriented factors distinguished as more important, and this is consistent with the literature concerning SS. Practical implications This paper provides information for practitioners and researchers about SS methodology and presents some of its advantages, deriving from its integration with ISO 9001 QMS. Originality/value It makes available a perspective of SS deployment in Greek organizations. It also clarifies points that demonstrate the differentiation of SS from other quality approaches and the case of integration with ISO 9001. It also presents the demographic profile of the companies that implement SS.

An empirical investigation of critical success factors and performance measures for green manufacturing in cement industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1076-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinesh Seth ◽  
R.L. Shrivastava ◽  
Sanjeev Shrivastava
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Cement Industry ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
And Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to aim for the development and analysis of green manufacturing (GM)-based framework on the identified critical success factors (CSFs) and performance measures (PMs) in the context of the Indian cement industry. Design/methodology/approach The research follows survey method for data collection. For framework development, it uses factor analysis on the identified CSFs and regression along with the appropriate measures for checking statistical consistency and validity. Findings This is the first research towards GM framework for the Indian cement industry. Till date, no framework is available which could guide researchers and practitioners of this environment unfriendly industry. Study exposes lack of connectivity between CSFs and PMs for a GM framework and highlights weaknesses of cement industry in this regard. It offers a generalised GM framework linking PMs with top management, human resource management, organisational culture, green practices, process management and supply chain management. Practical implications The framework is expected to help both researchers and practitioners from cement, construction and other industries who are serious towards GM implementation and are looking for appropriate mechanism. This framework if implemented properly will result in enhanced productivity. Originality/value This work is one of the few and pioneering efforts to investigate GM linking CSFs and PMs in Indian manufacturing sectors and the first in cement industry. Not many studies are available in the context of cement industry, which is the lifeblood of infrastructure and construction sectors. The importance of the work increases as it is conducted in the Indian context, which is undeniably an important economy of the world.

The underlying factorial structure and significance of the Six Sigma difficulties and critical success factors

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 530-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Psomas
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Latent Constructs ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the underlying structure (latent constructs) of the difficulties and critical success factors (CSFs) of Six Sigma implementation in manufacturing companies. Determining the significance Greek manufacturing companies give to the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs is also an aim of the present study. Design/methodology/approach – A research study was carried out in 91 ISO 9001 certified Greek manufacturing companies through a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analyses are applied to determine the underlying structure (latent constructs) of the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs, while their significance is determined through descriptive statistics. Findings – Three latent constructs of Six Sigma difficulties are extracted, namely, “implementation patterns of Six Sigma methodology”, “absence of human interest and support”, and “low quality management level”. These difficulties are not considered very significant by the sample companies. Three latent constructs of Six Sigma CSFs are also extracted, namely, “understanding the implementation patterns of Six Sigma and its interface with the company”, “company culture and organisation”, and “prioritising Six Sigma projects based on stakeholders and company performance”. The role of these critical factors for the success of Six Sigma is very significant, according to the sample companies. Research limitations/implications – The small sample of the responding manufacturing companies, the diversity of the business sectors represented in the sample, and the subjective business evidence obtained from the company quality managers are the main limitations of the present study. Based on these limitations, future research studies are suggested. Practical implications – By eliminating the negative influence of the difficulties and simultaneously by enhancing the positive influence of the CSFs, a robust internal business environment can be created for the successful implementation of Six Sigma. Originality/value – This study fills the literature gap and contributes to the literature by determining the underlying structure and the significance of the Six Sigma difficulties and CSFs. This is the first research study in the field of Six Sigma that has been carried out in ISO 9001 certified manufacturing companies operating in the Greek business environment.

The contribution of quality tools and integration of quality management systems to the organization

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasileios Ismyrlis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Final Conclusion ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Subjective Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Quality Tools

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution from the use of quality tools and the implementation of quality management systems (QMSs) to the management of an organization. The question is if these aspects have an impact on the important elements of a QMS, like critical success factors (CSFs), but more on the performance derived from its functioning. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire was created and addressed to Greek companies which were certified with at least one QMS standard, in this case ISO 9001:2008. Findings It was concluded that companies implementing more than one QMS and more than nine quality tools gave more importance to specific CSFs of the QMS and also displayed better performance from the rest of the companies. The final conclusion is that the utilization of tools, techniques, and the implementation of more than one QMS – integration of management systems (MSs) – can contribute to many aspects of organization functioning. Research limitations/implications This study was based on the perception (subjective data) of only one quality manager/representative of each company. The companies were not asked about specific actions they have established to integrate their MSs. Practical implications This paper provides a closest look to the utilization of more than one QMS and the use of quality tools. These actions, as concluded, can play an important role in the management of organizations, and managers could use them in an appropriate way. Originality/value This paper aims to evaluate the value of QMS integration and the utilization of quality tools to specific issues of QMS as CSFs and performance in Greek companies.

scholarly journals Key performance measures to control maintenance-associated HAIs

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 690-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Njuangang ◽  
Champika Liyanage ◽  
Akintola Akintoye
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
High Risk Patient ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Delphi Exercise ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Key Performance Measures

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve overall healthcare maintenance (HM) service performance in NHS infection control (IC). Hence, the authors identify critical success factors (CSFs) and key performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. These infections occur because of the poor performance of HM service in IC. Design/methodology/approach – In the first Delphi exercise, complete CSFs and performance measures were presented to the Delphi participants for refinement and modification. Delphi round 1 data were analysed manually and used to refine the rounds 2 and 3 Delphi instruments. In subsequent Delphi rounds, the results were analysed through descriptive statistics. Findings – In total, eight CSFs and 53 key performance measures were identified for reducing maintenance-associated infections in hospitals. For example, establishing clear communication between the infection control team (ICT) and HM unit is important for preventing maintenance-associated HAIs. Dust prevention is also identified by the healthcare experts as an important measure to prevent maintenance-associated HAIs in high-risk patient areas. Originality/value – The findings provide CSFs and key performance measures for measuring performance in HM in IC. Reducing the rate of maintenance-associated infections will have important socio-economic and health ramifications for hospitals. It will reduce cost and free up additional resources for alternative projects. It will also raise confidence among healthcare users about the quality of services provided by hospitals.

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.

Success and failure factors in implementing quality management systems in small- and medium-sized enterprises: a mixed-method study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mehrabioun Mohammadi ◽  
Ali Jalali ◽  
Arezoo Hasani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Group Meeting ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Focus Group Meeting ◽  
Failure Factors

PurposeThis manuscript concentrates on addressing the success and failure factors to satisfy the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need when facing challenges during the implementation of the quality management systems (QMSs) such as lack of both the financial and human resources and inadequate technical knowledge of quality management and employee indifference.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a mixed-method research approach in three different steps. First, based on interviews and a review of previous research, a list of critical factors influencing the success and failure of QMS implementation in SMEs is provided. After conducting the interview and extracting the results, a quantitative questionnaire is recruited as a complementary tool to demonstrate the accuracy of the literature review and interview findings and to increase the validity and reliability of the data. By applying the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method, the factors affecting the failure and success of QMS implementation are identified separately. In the third step, a focus group meeting is used to name the factors and identify the relationships among them. The relationships among the factors are also shown using the concept map. Finally, after conducting the focus group meeting, several key issues have been extracted from practice and literature to realize the critical success and failure factors.FindingsThe current study reveals that the factors supporting the SMEs during the implementation of the QMSs may be classified into nine groups. Of these, six factors are related to critical success factors (CSFs), and three factors are related to critical failure factors (CFFs).Originality/valueThere have been several studies developed and conducted to address the success factors supporting the QMSs in SMEs. However, the scope of these studies has only been set on either qualitative or quantitative approaches. Hence, the proposed method presented in this essay, which is, in turn, a new contribution, attempts to use a combined approach based on both the semistructured interviews and survey methods. The results of this study can be used as a reference by scholars and practitioners to identify the relevant issues of QMSs and their application in SMEs.

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.

Design of experiments in the service industry: results from a global survey and directions for further research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Elisabeth Viles ◽  
Alexandre Fonseca Torres ◽  
Marcelo Machado Fernandes ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney
Keyword(s):  
Design Of Experiments ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the current status of Design of experiments (DoE) in the service industry or non-manufacturing processes in the manufacturing sector. This involves the identification of critical success factors and challenges in the use of DoE in the context of the service industry as well as the key skills needed for its successful applications.Design/methodology/approachIn order to identify the critical success factors and challenges, an online survey instrument was developed and distributed across Six Sigma Black Belts (SSBB), Six Sigma Master Black Belts (SSMBB), process improvement champions, continuous improvement professionals, DoE experts and specialists as well as academics who are involved in DoE research and applications.FindingsA total of 109 participants from over 20 countries responded to the study. One of the first findings of the study is that over 40% of the process improvement professionals in the service sector do not have any hands-on experience with the application of DoE. Further, this study highlights the following critical factors for successful DoE applications: dedicating adequate resources in terms of time, budget and people for the experiment; getting a clear understanding of the problem at hand; securing a reliable and validated measurement system for measuring the response or quality characteristics of interest; and identifying input independent variables, which influence the quality characteristics during the brainstorming stage. Some respondents also mention the importance of having training or education in DoE as a critical success factor. At the same time, the lack of adequate planning to experimentation, mathematical knowledge and statistical reasoning remains as challenge to be solved.Research limitations/implicationsAs data were collected at an individual level, inter-reliability, which measures the consistency of judgements on a particular survey item, could not be gauged. Moreover, due to low sample size across some continents, an intercontinental comparative study on the extent of the application of DoE across various continents could not be performed.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first global survey carried out to understand the status of DoE in the service industry. The results of the global study can be used to encourage quality, continuous improvement and process improvement professionals in the service sector to drive wider acceptance of one of the most powerful tools in the Six Sigma toolkit for problem-solving scenarios. Moreover, senior managers in the service industry can take away some of the key benefits, challenges and success factors in the implementation of DoE.

Critical success factors for Six Sigma implementation in Indian SMEs: an evaluation using AHP

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Gurwinder Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing Six Sigma framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for effective implementation of Six Sigma using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Design/methodology/approach In this study, a significant number of small and medium manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed to ascertain the contributions made by CSFs toward successful deployment of Six Sigma. The evaluation and the ranking of the CSFs among others, as well as on an individual level have been worked out using AHP. Findings The research study reveals that 13 CSFs have scored 75.9% in the success index, which is a significant figure to consider the importance, as well as their contribution toward successful implementation of Six Sigma in Indian SMEs. Research limitations/implications The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent. Originality/value This paper contributes to the knowledge of academicians, practitioners and project managers by providing an insight into the evolution of the CSFs for implementing Six Sigma paradigms in Indian SMEs. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally used in deciding determinants of Six Sigma framework.

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