scholarly journals Investigating the readiness of people in manufacturing SMEs to embark on Lean Six Sigma projects

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 850-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Teresa Shirley Waring ◽  
Farhad Nabhani
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Core Competence ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Core Competence ◽  
Behavioural Factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on three fundamental human-related behaviour factors associated with Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in German manufacturing small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the readiness of people (managers and their staff) to commence LSS projects. These are core personal competence, strategic vision of the people and the organisational culture of the specific organisation. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a thorough review of the academic literature a set of hypotheses were constructed to examine the level of association between people’s competence, vision and culture with LSS readiness within SMEs. This was done using correlation and regression analysis. Data collection were carried out in seven different German manufacturing SMEs involved in aerospace supply and agro-food manufacturing using a survey instrument. Findings – It was found that there is a strong positive association between the core competence of people and organisational culture with readiness for commencing LSS in the manufacturing SMEs studied. The core values of people, education level and the vision of making continuous quality improvement were identified as key variables in promoting LSS readiness in these manufacturing SMEs. This study indicates that these “softer” variables can be essential to successful LSS implementation and need to be explored further before undertaking the process. Practical implications – From the perspective of the implementers of LSS the results of this research could be of interest to different manufacturing SMEs intending to embark upon an LSS journey as it highlights the significance of human-related behavioural factors in the process. SME organisations may consider carrying out development or training with their managers and employees around personal and organisational values, addressing core competence and strengthening organisational culture in order to facilitate LSS readiness and enhance the prospect of its success. Originality/value – It would appear that this LSS research has not been carried out within the German manufacturing SME context before and although discrete in nature has surfaced the “softer” variables of core competence of staff and organisational culture as important readiness issues to address when undertaking LSS. This integrated approach of human behavioural factors, organisational culture, LSS and manufacturing SMEs demonstrates the originality of the research.

An innovation management assessment framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1633-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanislaus Lobo ◽  
Premaratne Samaranayake
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Assessment Framework ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Products ◽  
New Business

PurposeThis paper proposes an integrated approach for assessing innovation management practices using an innovation management assessment framework, with the application of the innovation management assessment framework at the incubation and firm level.Design/methodology/approachInnovation management assessment framework is developed, based on the literature review. An innovation management assessment framework toolkit for training innovation practitioners is proposed as the basis for the framework implementation in the industry. The main approach is to make close alignment of the design for lean six sigma phases within broader innovation and stage-gate model in the innovation management assessment framework.FindingsThe operationalization of the innovation management assessment framework is enabled and supported by an assessment framework and a toolkit for managing innovation.Practical implicationsA roadmap for innovation management and assessment of performance at incubatee/firm level.Social implicationsIt provides a tool for developing innovative products and services for incubatees in start-ups, thus fueling the economy. It also has applications for ongoing established businesses.Originality/valueInnovation of new business development can be made through a well-designed and implemented innovation programme that is aligned with stage-gate and design for lean six sigma phases through the innovation management assessment framework.

The core competence of successful owner-managed SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Song Ng ◽  
Daisy Mui Hung Kee
Keyword(s):  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Core Competence ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Technical Competence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Core Competence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of transformational leadership, entrepreneurial competence and technical competence on firm performance via innovativeness in owner-managed small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered from 178 owner-managers of SMEs operating in Malaysia using a self-report questionnaire. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The results show that, except in the link between transformational leadership and process innovativeness, all relationships linking transformational leadership, entrepreneurial and technical competence with innovativeness, and linking innovativeness with firm performance are significant. Research limitations/implications The self-report questionnaires that were administered to owner-managers of SMEs constitute a limitation for this research, as they may not always produce reliable and valid responses due to single informant response and common method bias. Practical implications The study findings have strong theoretical and managerial implications for owner-managed SMEs seeking to adopt the four core metrics, namely, transformational leadership, entrepreneurial competence, technical competence and innovativeness, as the management core, all of which are necessary for meaningful, sustainable, disruptive transformation to do well in business, even with limited resources. Originality/value The value of this study lies in its effort to focus on the core competence of owner-managed SMEs, which remains relatively underexplored in the context of developing countries. Moreover, little is yet known about their combined effects on firm performance.

Research on the construction mechanism of the core competence of Chinese enterprises in the transition period

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-86
Author(s):  
Hailin Lan ◽  
Shuo Liu ◽  
Manli Huang ◽  
Ping Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Driving Force ◽  
Core Competence ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Chinese Enterprises ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Core Competence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The past 40 years of reform and opening up have seen the role of core competence receive unprecedented attention because of the impact of the new normal economy as well as the pressure of transformation and upgrading. Few Chinese enterprises have effectively constructed core competence, and there is also a lack of strategic perspective and contextual embedding of its construction process in theory. This study aims to analyse the unique contextual characteristics of China in the transitional period and the impact on the core competence construction of Chinese enterprises and proposes its construction mechanism for Chinese enterprises. Design/methodology/approach Through theoretical deduction and speculation, this paper analyses the process of concept formation, clarifies the concept, analyses its connotations and structure and emphasises its relativity. Based on a review of the theoretical research on the core competence construction process and an analysis of dual contextual impact, this paper puts forward a mechanism for core competence construction. Findings The results reveal that four specific characteristics of entrepreneurs in balancing and coping with the dual nature of external context constitute the key driving force for a Chinese enterprises’ core competence construction; under the influence of this driving force, the core competence construction mechanism includes process mode, knowledge source, management mode and key success factors. Originality/value Approaching it from a Chinese context, this study deepens the concept of core competence; enriches and develops the research related to the core strategic research proposition of its construction; and provides positive significance for Chinese enterprises to effectively build, develop and strengthen core competence and enhance their international competitiveness.

scholarly journals Implementing Lean Six Sigma into curriculum design and delivery – a case study in higher education

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 577-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Thomas ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Claire Haven-Tang ◽  
Mark Francis ◽  
Ron Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Variables

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the development and adoption of a Lean Six Sigma Framework (LSSF) that attempts to create a more balanced and integrated approach between Lean and Six Sigma and one that is capable of achieving improved efficacy of curriculum and programme development in a higher education environment. The implementation of the LSSF is new to the higher education sector. Design/methodology/approach Using the standard DMAIC cycle as the key driver in the implementation process, most in-depth Lean Six Sigma (LSS) case studies have focussed on manufacturing and engineering-based problems and solutions. This case study offers a detailed analysis of the design and implementation of an integrated LSSF within higher education and focusses primarily on the curriculum design and delivery of a new undergraduate engineering programme in a subject university. As such, this offers a unique perspective of LSS implementation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which drives systems improvements in to the heart of the teaching and learning process. Findings The design, development and subsequent application of the LSSF enabled the curriculum development team to comprehensively apply LSS in to a subject institution. The Shainin Key Variables Search Technique (KVST) more specifically enabled the team to prioritise the key variables by way of order of importance and, this allowed the team to apply the most appropriate tools and techniques at the key points within the LSSF in order to obtain maximum performance. Research limitations/implications Whilst this work provides key information on how LSS initiatives are implemented across different institution types, the work has only focussed at a very small sample of HEIs and the case study only being applied to one institution. The work will need to be extended much more widely to incorporate a larger set of HEIs (both research and teaching focussed) in order to provide a more complete map of LSS development in HEIs. Practical implications The aim of the paper is to provide LSS project leaders in HEIs with a coherent and balanced LSSF in an attempt to assist them in implementing comprehensive LSS programmes thus maximising the improvements in efficiency and operational performance of departments within HEIs. Originality/value This paper is the first of its kind to study the application of Shainin’s KVST in the implementation of LSS programmes in HEIs. The key features highlighted in this work raise important issues regarding the need and importance of developing a balanced LSSF for HEI project implementation.

Green lean and the need for Six Sigma

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 226-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Operational Improvement ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the green lean approach and highlight its limitations; examine the compatibility of the green, lean and Six Sigma concepts; and propose Six Sigma, and specially its problem-solving methodology DMAIC, as an approach to help enhancing the effectiveness of green lean initiatives. Historically, profitability and efficiency, and more recently customer satisfaction, quality and responsiveness objectives have been the prevailing interest for organisations. However, the move towards greener operations and products has forced companies to seek alternatives to combine these with green objectives and initiatives. Green lean is the result of this combination. Thus, the paper conceptually proposes Green Lean Six Sigma. Design/methodology/approach – To do this, a systematic literature review (SLR) of the subjects under investigation was conducted. Findings – The SLR indicated that the green lean integration may have inherited the same limitations as the individual green and lean approaches, but these may be overcome through the integration of Six Sigma. It also identified the similarities of some of the main attributes of green, lean and Six Sigma, which suggest their compatibility to be unified as an integrated approach. Practical implications – The paper allows scholars to develop a deeper and richer knowledge on the simultaneous deployment of green and operational improvement initiatives and help practitioners in formulating more effective strategies for their deployment. Originality/value – The paper is one of the very first researches that investigate the potential benefits of integrating green lean and Six Sigma.

Analisis Kebutuhan Petunjuk Praktikum Berbasis Keterampilan Proses Sains untuk Mencapai Kemampuan Merancang Eksperimen

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitriah Khoirunnisa ◽  
Friska Septiani Silitonga ◽  
Veri Firmansyah
Keyword(s):  
Core Competence ◽  
Process Skills ◽  
Learning Materials ◽  
Science Process Skills ◽  
Second Stage ◽  
The Core ◽  
The Core Competence ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
Practical Instruction ◽  
Design Experiments

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kebutuhan petunjuk praktikum berbasis Keterampilan Proses Sains (KPS) untuk mencapai kemampuan merancang eksperimen pada materi kalor reaksi kalorimetri. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap peserta didik kelas XI SMA Negeri 2 Kota Tanjungpinang. Variabel penelitian mencakup analisis kebutuhan bahan ajar dan analisis kesesuaian Kompetensi Inti (KI) dan Kompetensi Dasar (KD). Jenis penelitian yang dilakukan adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Tahapan pertama dalam penelitian ini adalah menganalisis kebutuhan bahan ajar dengan cara membandingkan dua petunjuk praktikum yang selama ini telah digunakan di sekolah tersebut, ditinjau dari aspek struktur format penulisan, aspek kreativitas, dan aspek keterampilan proses sains yang terdapat dalam petunjuk praktikum. Sehingga didapatkan kesimpulan bahwa petunjuk praktikum yang selama ini digunakan tidak memberikan kesempatan kepada peserta didiknya untuk merancang eksperimen yang telah ditentukan. Tahapan kedua yaitu menganalisis kesesuaian kompetensi inti dan kompetensi dasar, yang bertujuan untuk menentukan indikator pencapaian kompetensi (IPK) yang akan menjadi acuan dalam mengembangkan petunjuk praktikum berbasis keterampilan proses sains. Dari kedua tahapan yang telah dilakukan maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa peserta didik memerlukan petunjuk praktikum yang mampu mengonstruksi pikiran dan mengaktifkan kinerja mereka, sehingga pendekatan Keterampilan Proses Sains menjadi pilihan dalam mengembangkan petunjuk praktikum yang sesuai dengan karakteristik kurikulum 2013.   This research aims to analyze the needs of Science Process Skills based Practical Instruction to achieve the ability to design experiments on the calor of reaction. This research was done to the students of class XI SMA Negeri 2 Tanjungpinang City. Research Variable includes the analysis of the needs of the learning materials and analysis of the suitability of the Core Competence (KI) and Basic Competence (KD). The type of research conducted is descriptive qualitative research. The first stages in this research is to analyze the needs of learning materials by comparing two practical instructions that had been implementing in the school, from the aspects of the structure of writing format, creativity, and science process skills embedded in practical instructions. The conclusion of this research that current practical instructions does not give an opportunity to the participants to design determined experiments. The second stage, namely analyzing the suitability of core competence and basic competence, which aims to determine the indicators of achievement of the competencies (GPA) which will be a reference in developing process skills-based teaching instructions science. Of the two stages that has been done then it can be concluded that learners need practical instructions to construct  thinking and and their performance, so the Science Process Skills approach is an option in developing practical instruction suitable for the characteristics of the curriculum of 2013.

Use “cross-border E-commerce” multi-dimensional teaching to enhance the core competence of international economics and trade students

2021 ◽  
pp. 002072092110134
Author(s):  
Ying Liu
Keyword(s):  
Core Competence ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Operating Mode ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
The Core ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
The Core Competence ◽  
Employment Quality

For some trade majors who only focus on theoretical studies, they no longer have an advantage in the market. If they do not pay attention to practical training, it will be difficult to gain a foothold in business. In education, people are paying more and more attention to e-commerce. Many schools take “cross-border e-commerce (CBEC)” as a course. This article uses CBEC to implement multi-dimensional teaching, so as to enhance the core competence of trade majors. This research is mainly based on the analysis of the existing teaching program model, and proposes a multi-level, all-round and multi-dimensional teaching method. This article analyzes the current teaching mode of trade major and various related problems in this mode, and proposes a teaching method based on theory and practice in response to the requirements of trade major. In teaching, many teachers will use traditional teaching methods to analyze trade and help students learn about CBEC. If students cannot learn the operating mode of CBEC as soon as possible, it will cause many students to walk out of the school very much. It is difficult to adapt to the requirements of work, and it is also difficult to accept the new CBEC model. This not only affects the employment rate and employment quality of students, but also is not conducive to the transformation and development of foreign trade enterprises. Therefore, we need to teach students based on the market’s demand for CBEC compound talents, let them have close contact with enterprise development, and use school-enterprise cooperation to realize CBEC practical and multi-dimensional teaching in schools, so as to generate training to meet the needs of the cross-e-commerce market Technical personnel.

scholarly journals Knowledge-based Lean Six Sigma maintenance system for sustainable buildings

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasim Aldairi ◽  
M.K. Khan ◽  
J. Eduardo Munive-Hernandez
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Rule Base ◽  
Sustainable Buildings ◽  
Sustainable Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Knowledge Based

Purpose This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based (KB) system for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) maintenance in environmentally sustainable buildings (Lean6-SBM). Design/methodology/approach The Lean6-SBM conceptual framework has been developed using the rule base approach of KB system and joint integration with gauge absence prerequisites (GAP) technique. A comprehensive literature review is given for the main pillars of the framework with a typical output of GAP analysis. Findings Implementation of LSS in the sustainable building maintenance context requires a pre-assessment of the organisation’s capabilities. A conceptual framework with a design structure is proposed to tackle this issue with the provision of an enhancing strategic and operational decision-making hierarchy. Research limitations/implications Future research work might consider validating this framework in other type of industries. Practical implications Maintenance activities in environmentally sustainable buildings must take prodigious standards into consideration, and, therefore, a robust quality assurance measure has to be integrated. Originality/value The significance of this research is to present a novel use of hybrid KB/GAP methodologies to develop a Lean6-SBM system. The originality and novelty of this approach will assist in identifying quality perspectives while implementing different maintenance strategies in the sustainable building context.

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.

The application of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience in maritime industry during the era of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yugowati Praharsi ◽  
Mohammad Abu Jami’in ◽  
Gaguk Suhardjito ◽  
Hui Ming Wee
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Logistics Services

Purpose This study aims to apply a Lean Six Sigma framework to support continuous improvement in the maritime industry (shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping companies) during COVID-19 pandemics. By applying the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience, the most suitable continuous improvement method for the maritime industry is developed to maintain a resilient supply chain during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach A specific shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping company in Indonesia is chosen as the research object. The Lean Six Sigma framework reveals the wastes through the supply chain resilience concept, and implements internal business processes to maintain optimal system performance. Findings The paper identifies important implementation aspects in applying Lean Six Sigma to shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping. The DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach is applied to achieve supply chain resilience. Resilient measures are generated for the case companies to maximize performance during the pandemics. Practical implications This paper provides a new insight for integrating Lean Six Sigma and resilience strategies in the maritime industry during COVID-19 disruptions. The authors provide some insights to sustain the performance of the maritime industries under study. Originality/value This study is part of the first research in the maritime industry that focuses on continuous improvement during COVID-19 using Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience.

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