CSFs for Six Sigma in service and manufacturing companies: an insight on literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 543-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonali Udeeka Pathiratne ◽  
Ali Khatibi ◽  
Md Gapar Md Johar
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Company Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Core Areas

PurposeThis paper aims to identify and review the critical success factors (CSFs) for successful Six Sigma implementation in service and manufacturing companies given in published literature.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive evaluation of the literature body is followed by future research opportunities. Studies published on the topic of Six Sigma during 2005-2016 are reviewed to retrieve identified CSFs.FindingsFrom published literature, 48 CSFs vital for Six Sigma implementation were identified. The identified CSFs were classified under eight core categories. As per the categorization, 35 out of 48 CSFs identified are either Company Strategy related, Six Sigma Project related or Human Resources related. Only a limited number of studies are carried out mainly focusing on the stated three core areas. Hence, it is vital that these three core areas are further explored in future research.Originality/valueWith the outcome of this paper, the identified CSFs for Six Sigma will be taken for further studies, where they will be applied to service and manufacturing companies based in Sri Lanka. Hence, it would provide Sri Lankan service and manufacturing companies guidelines for successful implementation of Six Sigma for future endeavors.

Critical success factors of TQM, Six Sigma, Lean and Lean Six Sigma

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 3479-3504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raja Sreedharan V. ◽  
Vijaya Sunder M. ◽  
Raju R.
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Future

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on the critical success factors (CSFs) of various continuous improvement (CI) like total quality management (TQM), Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and perform a content analysis (CA) leading to an agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach CA is based on literature review of 41 papers published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals. A four-stage methodology is used by the authors, with Stage 1 featuring relevant material collection; Stage 2 presenting a descriptive analysis; Stage 3 outlining the category selection; and Stage 4 featuring the material evaluation using clustering and Pareto analysis. Findings The CA revealed various research implications and directions for the future. The number of studies in the literature regarding CSF assessment is found to be far from substantial while compared to CI implementation. Assessment methodologies developed have been ranging from qualitative to quantitative models. Key gaps were identified and directions for CSF assessment are proposed which requires further validation. Research limitations/implications Only articles that appeared in peer-reviewed journals were analyzed; conference papers, reports, manuals and white papers from practice were excluded. Another limitation of the paper would be the scope of CA limited to four CI constructs – TQM, Lean, Six Sigma and LSS. Research implications indicate that the future studies in this domain would be intensive toward analyzing the vital CSFs for enterprise organizational excellence and not merely process excellence. Practical implications This review study can serve as a resource for both researchers and practitioners to understand the importance of CSFs and positioning CSFs for the successful implementation of CI programs. Originality/value The CA on the existing literature on CSFs for CI presents a unique, systematic effort to identify an agenda for future research. This study is the apparently the first of its kind on CSF assessment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Continuous improvement project within Kaizen: critical success factors in hospitals

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 335-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Gonzalez-Aleu ◽  
Eileen M. Van Aken ◽  
Jennifer Cross ◽  
Wiljeana J. Glover
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Level Of Importance

Purpose Evidence suggests that hospitals are having problems achieving continuous improvement project (CIP) goals or sustaining their results. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify those critical success factors (CSFs) most strongly related to CIP success in hospitals (Lean-Kaizen project, Lean Six Sigma project, Six Sigma projects, and Quality Improvement projects). Design/methodology/approach A retrospective survey was applied to any CIP leaders/facilitators from hospitals that conducted at least one CIP during the last two years. Findings Three main findings were obtained from the 116 valid responses. First, the level of importance of 47 out of 53 CSFs to achieve CIPs success in hospitals was assessed as very important or higher (4 or higher on a six-point scale). Second, there are important differences between the CSFs to achieve CIP success in hospitals in this research and previous investigations. Third, the type of CIP affects the level of importance of 16 out of 53 CSFs to achieve CIP success in hospitals. Originality/value Practitioners involved with CIPs activities in hospitals could use the knowledge extracted from this investigation to improve the impact of their CIPs. Future research should continue in two lines: test if the 53 CSFs for CIPs measure a unique factor and identify the main relationships or paths between CSFs for CIPs and CIP outcomes.

Assessing the adoption of critical success factors for lean six sigma implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gastelum-Acosta ◽  
Jorge Limon-Romero ◽  
Diego Tlapa ◽  
Yolanda Baez-Lopez ◽  
Guilherme Tortorella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

PurposeThe objective of the study is to design and validate an instrument that allows organizations to assess their status regarding the adoption of the critical success factors (CSFs) that enable lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in order to achieve the expected benefits.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review was conducted to define the LSS CSFs that have to be considered for the development of the questionnaire that would later be applied across all manufacturing companies on the Northern Mexican border. Once the database was built, a statistical verification of the assumptions required for factor analysis took place. Finally, the due construct validation was carried out to verify whether the proposed instrument measured reliably what it is intended to.FindingsA questionnaire measuring nine CSFs, as well as the benefits associated with the implementation of LSS, was designed and validated through 61 items.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of this study are that the research is cross-sectional and that the study was carried out taking as a reference only exporting manufacturing companies located in the border area between Mexico and the United States.Practical implicationsThe validated instrument is expected to serve as a useful tool for companies interested in the implementation of LSS.Originality/valueThis study introduces a validated tool for the analysis of LSS CSFs while providing evidence of construct validity and the solid structure of the factors.

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

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

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

Influence of Six Sigma on project success in construction industry of Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fahim Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Jamaluddin Thaheem ◽  
Siddra Qayyum Siddiqui ◽  
Muhammad Bilal Khurshid
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the level of implementation of Six Sigma (SS) in the construction industry of Pakistan along with the current state of affairs and the challenges, and opportunities for a successful implementation. Design/methodology/approach The research is purely exploratory in nature. Based on published work, critical success factors are gathered, and a number of questionnaire surveys and interviews are conducted to refine and quantify their impact. A system dynamics framework to assess the SS influence on project success is developed and case study project are simulated. Findings The construction industry of Pakistan is still functioning in a traditional way; marred with low level of awareness and ad hoc approaches, the findings point to a huge improvement opportunity. Further, when under planning projects are exposed to SS, the chances of project success improve better than under execution projects. Research limitations/implications The limited level of awareness possessed by the respondents constrains the possible outreach of this work in industrially developed contexts. However, this work may become an impetus for further research in managing quality in construction industry. Practical implications The findings can be used to improve the quality provision of construction projects. Originality/value This work may trigger an important debate over the research and implementation of SS in the construction industry of developing countries that may greatly benefit by improving the quality of their projects and rectify their diminishing reputation for project success.

Critical success factors for sustainable construction: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 176-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Sfakianaki
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Empirical Work ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Success

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and evaluate the available literature with respect to critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable construction (SC). Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was undertaken to assist in the identification of the most pertinent papers from three publishers: Emerald, Elsevier and Wiley. The literature findings were assessed and presented relative to publication, author and contents as determined by review. Findings The SLR was conducted using a number of search criteria. A final set of 31 publications were detected for further examination. The characteristics in terms of publications, authors and contents of the extracted publication set were examined and discussed. A total of 35 factors were identified, distributed in five research categories. The frequency of the extracted factors within the publication set was investigated and enabled valuable quantitative and qualitative observations of current trends for SC. Interestingly, all research categories were represented in the top-counted factors, demonstrating a holistic perception of SC. Given the publication set, in most aspects, the research area examined seems to demonstrate features of an emerging field, which is not yet well established. Research limitations/implications SLR cannot ensure that all pertinent publications were identified, because it was tailored to a number of search criteria, although certain actions were taken to moderate this limitation. However, the outcome adequately identifies trends and offers valuable information and knowledge for SC and its successful implementation. Originality/value The present study presents a broad list of factors for SC, integrated from a variety of disciplines and stakeholders. The findings, therefore, provide a valuable reference for both construction professionals and practitioners attempting to implement SC. Furthermore, the list can be of use to academic scholars for further empirical work and basis for future research.

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