scholarly journals Green implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects in the manufacturing sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 711-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Gendao Li
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Traditional Values ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Historically, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation has demonstrated a great deal of enhancement to process efficiency, profitability and customer satisfaction. The emerging market pressure for developing better quality, cheaper and greener products invokes a change of view in LSS economical effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to identify under which condition the final output of LSS projects with traditional strategic benefits are more environmentally friendly. Design/methodology/approach To investigate the choice of different types of LSS projects, the environmental impact under different conditions and the comparison of those conditions, the author developed an analytical mathematical model and analysed four different propositions. Findings The final price and production volume were recommended as mediating factors to leverage an LSS project to achieve a greener, customised and finance-oriented outputs. Research limitations/implications This research contributes to existing LSS research and knowledge development via promoting the different perspectives of LSS and environmental sustainability integration. Practical implications This study further enables managers to identify the cut-off point in relation to the production volume and finished prices to leverage the expected financial outputs and environmental impact of the LSS project. This would potentially promote a green LSS project in both implementation and output, alongside its traditional values. Originality/value This study uses a modelling approach to identify the conditions under which the actual methodology of the LSS project could be green via less energy consumption with consideration of expected LSS values and outcomes.

Lean Six Sigma: a clinical treatment for the recovery of Indian manufacturing sector from the after-effects of coronavirus

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsimran Singh Sodhi
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Clinical Treatment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
After Effects ◽  
The World ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
The Impact

PurposeManufacturing industry is quite badly hit due to the coronavirus. Manufacturing has been stopped in every country. The present study will provide assistance to the practitioners to recover manufacturing sector from the after-effects of coronavirus.Design/methodology/approachA thorough review of the recent articles published in the newspaper and web has been done to make a viewpoint on the global industrial impact due to epidemic corona. Reports of WHO, IMF, World Bank, RBI and so forth are also reviewed. Further, Lean Six Sigma has been suggested which can be implemented to recover manufacturing industry from the ill effects of corona.FindingsIn present study the problem causd in the manufacturing sector due to corona virus has been identified and a clinical treatment for the same has been proposed by using the tools and techniques of Lean Six Sigma.Originality/valueThe impact of coronavirus has become a huge issue not only for the physical health of human beings but also for the economic health of most of the countries in the world, as it is pushing the world economy toward huge economic depression. Therefore, it becomes the moral responsibility of industrial experts to suggest the tools and techniques to the manufacturing industry for faster recovery.

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.

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.

A comparative analysis of green-lean-six sigma enablers and environmental outcomes: a natural resource-based view

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Farrukh ◽  
Sanjay Mathrani ◽  
Aymen Sajjad
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resource ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Developing Nations ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Despite differing strategies towards environmental sustainability in developed and developing nations, the manufacturing sector in these regional domains faces substantial environmental issues. The purpose of this study is to examine the green-lean-six sigma (GLSS) enablers and outcomes for enhancing environmental sustainability of manufacturing firms in both, a developed and developing country context by using an environment-centric natural resource-based view (NRBV). Design/methodology/approach First, a framework of GLSS enablers and outcomes aligned with the NRBV strategic capabilities is proposed through a systematic literature review. Second, this framework is used to empirically investigate the GLSS enablers and outcomes of manufacturing firms through in-depth interviews with lean six sigma and environmental consultants from New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PK) (developed and developing nations). Findings Analysis from both regional domains highlights the use of GLSS enablers and outcomes under different NRBV capabilities of pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development. A comparison reveals that NZ firms practice GLSS to comply with environmental regulatory requirements, avoid penalties and maintain their clean-green image. Conversely, Pakistani firms execute GLSS to reduce energy use, satisfy international customers and create a green image. Practical implications This paper provides new insights on GLSS for environmental sustainability which can assist industrial experts and academia for future strategies and research. Originality/value This is one of the early comparative studies that has used the NRBV to investigate GLSS enablers and outcomes in manufacturing firms for enhancing environmental performance comparing developed and developing nations

A conceptual Lean Six Sigma framework for quality excellence in higher education institutions

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 857-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaya Sunder M. ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Deployment Strategy ◽  
Life Context

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the potent application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in higher education services and to suggest a conceptual framework of deploying LSS in the higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach This paper aims to outline the importance of the quality excellence criterion in general through different constructs from the literature including TQM, Lean, Six Sigma and LSS. The paper further expands on the applicability of LSS in the HEI setting, with an understanding of HEI as comparatively different from the manufacturing sector from where LSS originated. The published literature on LSS and authors’ experience in the field of LSS (as practitioners) were used as sources for devising a conceptual framework for LSS deployment in HEIs. Findings The key finding from the study is the confirmation of LSS applicability in HEIs. The study also confirms that LSS is not anyone’s job but a key part of leadership agenda. The six-staged conceptual framework prescribed for the HEIs as part of the paper is the key contribution of this study. The model describes that LSS readiness is the foremost step in the LSS deployment journey in HEIs. The strategic perspectives of aligning the organisational vision for quality excellence need to be achieved by establishing a need for LSS through leadership. Then, developing an LSS deployment strategy becomes the next step. Educating the appropriate stakeholders (students) and team formation becomes the next important steps in the LSS deployment. Once the above steps are implemented in right way, identifying and implementing LSS projects becomes critical. The execution and closure of the LSS projects leads to quality excellence in HEIs. Research limitations/implications Since the framework prescribed here is a conceptual framework, it deserved a testing in the real-life context. This leaves an opportunity for future researchers to test and expand on the implications of the model. Though the LSS framework is customised for HEIs, the fundamental factors essential for any change management initiative holds correct for LSS as well, and hence these are not elaborated as part of this paper. Originality/value This paper would serve as an excellent resource for both academicians and LSS practitioners in HEIs, for deployment. The framework presented here is the original work contributed by the authors, as the first of its kind in the academic literature relevant to LSS in HEIs.

Impact of Lean, Six Sigma and environmental sustainability on the performance of SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousaf Ali ◽  
Ahsan Younus ◽  
Amin Ullah Khan ◽  
Hamza Pervez
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Management Styles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the impact of lean, Six Sigma and environmental sustainability on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. The firm performance has been measured in terms of operational, business and environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachA survey-based methodology is adopted for collecting data from the main cities of Punjab, Pakistan. SMEs related to different industries such as service, manufacturing, automotive and retail were targeted. The data gathered were ordinal, and Spearman's correlation test was used as the data analysis technique.FindingsThe findings indicated that the three management styles positively impacted the environmental performance of SMEs. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between the three management styles and the SMEs' business and operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsTo counter the inefficient and wasteful practices of SMEs and their detrimental impact on overall firm performance, SMEs have to refocus and reconfigure their management strategies. It is implied to use lean, Six Sigma and environmental sustainability practices to achieve this goal.Originality/valueThe study empirically investigates the impact of lean, Six Sigma and environmental sustainability on the performance of SMEs in Pakistan, which is the first study to be conducted in the Pakistani context.

Developing a model for process improvement using multiple regression technique

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 625-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashok Sarkar ◽  
Arup Ranjan Mukhopadhyay ◽  
Sadhan Kumar Ghosh
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Process Efficiency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach

Purpose – Practitioners often face challenges in model development when establishing a relationship between the input and output variables and their optimization and control. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate, with the help of a real life case example, the procedure for model development between a key process output variable, called the multi-stage flash evaporator efficiency, and the associated input process variables and their optimization using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case study approach showing how multiple regression methodology has been put into practice. The case study was executed in a leading Indian viscose fiber plant. Findings – The desired settings of the relevant process parameters for achieving improved efficiency have been established by appropriately using the tools and techniques from the Lean Six Sigma tool kit. The process efficiency, as measured by M3 of water evaporated per ton of steam, has improved from 3.28 to 3.48 resulting in satisfactory performance. Originality/value – This paper will be valuable to many practitioners of Six Sigma/Lean Six Sigma and researchers in terms of understanding the systematic application of quality and optimization tools in a real world situation.

A systematic review of Lean Six Sigma for the manufacturing industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 665-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saja Ahmed Albliwi ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Sarina Abdul halim Lim
Keyword(s):  
Current Literature ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common themes within Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing sector, and to identify any gaps in those themes that may be preventing users from getting the most benefit from their LSS strategy. This paper also identifies the gaps in current literature and develops an agenda for future research into LSS themes. Design/methodology/approach – The following research is based on a review of 37 papers that were published on LSS in the top journals in the field and other specialist journals, from 2000 to 2013. Findings – Many issues have emerged in this paper and important themes have cited which are: benefits, motivation factors, limitations and impeding factors. The analysis of 19 case studies in the manufacturing sector has resulted in significant benefits cited in this paper. However, many gaps and limitations need to be explored in future research as there have been little written on LSS as a holistic strategy for business improvement. Practical implications – It is important for practitioners to be aware of LSS benefits, limitations and impeding factors before starting the LSS implementation process. Hence, this paper could provide valuable insights to practitioners. Originality/value – This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review which gives an opportunity to LSS researchers to understand some common themes within LSS in depth. In addition, highlighting many gaps in the current literature and developing an agenda for future research, will save time and effort for readers looking to research topics within LSS.

scholarly journals Lean Six Sigma and environmental sustainability: the case of a Norwegian dairy producer

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl Powell ◽  
Sissel Lundeby ◽  
Lukas Chabada ◽  
Heidi Dreyer
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Food Processing ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Process Industry ◽  
Food Processing Industry ◽  
Processing Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Norwegian Dairy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the continuous process industry, taking an insight into the food processing industry; and to evaluate the impact of LSS on environmental sustainability. The authors present observations and experiences from the application of LSS at a Norwegian dairy producer, with the aim of bringing out pertinent factors and useful insights that help us to understand how LSS can contribute toward greater environmental sustainability in this industry type, something that is so far lacking in the extant literature. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopt a single, longitudinal field study approach as we observe an entire cycle of the VSM-DMAIC (value stream mapping-define, measure, analyze, improve and control) LSS process, which evolved over a six-month period at the dairy. Findings The authors highlight some of the important elements that should be considered when using LSS as a contributor toward greater environmental sustainability in fresh-food supply chains. The authors also present some of the specific outcomes and key success criteria that became apparent to the implementation team following the deployment of the VSM-DMAIC approach. Originality/value The authors demonstrate how LSS can be applied in the food processing industry as a contributor to greater environmental sustainability. The authors also make useful reflections regarding the success criteria that can be used by researchers and practitioners for the effective deployment of such an approach, particularly in the continuous process industry.

scholarly journals Scoping review of the readiness for sustainable implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects in the manufacturing sector

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Michelle Upton
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Implementation ◽  
Step Model ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Traditional Approaches

PurposeThis work presents a synthesis of current literature published from 2010 to provide an overall understanding of the sustainable implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in terms of project approaches rather than outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive and validated ten-step model was applied to conduct a scoping review with the following three broad phases: “review planning”, “review execution” and “review reporting”.FindingsThe analysis shows that while a few geographically and methodologically broad research studies have been conducted on LSS and green manufacturing integration, no studies have examined organisational culture or conducted readiness assessments on the sustainable implementation of LSS projects in the manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study contributes to existing knowledge by describing the current state of research on green LSS integration. The study also identifies a lack of research on the deployment of sustainable LSS projects for manufacturers. Further empirical analyses that include case studies must be conducted to assess the negative environmental impacts of LSS projects.Originality/valueThis study serves as an initial call for practitioners and research scholars to favour the sustainable deployment of LSS projects in manufacturing alongside the use of traditional approaches with a focus on costs, quality and delivery.

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