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.

Impact of lean six sigma at pharmacy unit on hospital profitability before and during Covid-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Heri Iswanto
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Inpatient Care ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Term Care ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unit Level ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the impact of lean six sigma (LSS) implementation carried out in a pharmaceutical unit on the profitability of outpatient and inpatient care before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/method/approach The data were analyzed descriptively to see the development patterns in four periods: before implementation, during the implementation before the pandemic, during the pandemic and during the enforcement of new normal, in general, and by the length of stay (LOS). Findings The inventory purchase in the pharmaceutical unit dramatically decreased after implementation even during the pandemic and new normal wherein the pre-pandemic it decreased by 27%, during the pandemic 29% and in the new normal 37% compared to pre-LSS. The hospital deficit decreased after implementation before the pandemic by 26% and during the pandemic by 10% from the pre-LSS time. However, during the new normal, the deficit increased by 29%, indicating a diminished effect of LSS on the hospital profits. Research limitations/implications This research raised the possible implication that the implementation of LSS needed to be carried out in the entire hospital to have a large effect, especially on the inpatient care and long-term care installations. Originality/value This research provided empirical evidence regarding the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the ability of LSS at the unit level to provide efficiency at the unit level and the entire hospital at various levels of LOS.

Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus J. O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Tom Murphy ◽  
Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

Analyzing the Lean Six Sigma enabled organizational performance to enhance operational efficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 2401-2434
Author(s):  
Shruti J. Raval ◽  
Ravi Kant ◽  
Ravi Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Optimum Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficient Organization ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe aim of this analysis is to review the Indian manufacturing organizations practicing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools/techniques with an objective of monitoring the performance of an organization and to develop recommendation for strategies to benchmark organizational operational efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThis study offers insights of the LSS performance measurement aspects of the Indian manufacturing organizations based on Data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The five inputs and two outputs are considered on the basis of literature review and discussed with the practitioners.FindingsIn this analysis, the relative efficiency score of 18 Indian manufacturing organizations has been determined in order to assist evaluation of the impact of monetary investment on the outputs. The present analysis not only investigates the optimum level of input variables but also lays down a significant observation that an organization having higher profit and inventory turnover ratio is not necessarily an efficient organization.Practical implicationsThe results assist to determine the best practice units, potential source of inefficiency and deliver beneficial data for the consistent enhancement of the operational efficiency. The DEA results assist managers and decision makers to derive appropriate strategies to enhance their performance with reference to the efficient organization and to regard it as their role model.Originality/valueThis analysis renders a DEA based framework of LSS practicing Indian manufacturing organizations. The framework is unique in terms of its input-outputs variable selection and measurement procedure.

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.

Do hotel companies communicate their environmental policies and practices more than independent hotels in Dubai, UAE?

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Rosalind Jenkins ◽  
Ioanna Karanikola
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Image ◽  
Environmental Reporting ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Websites ◽  
Independent Hotels ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to ascertain how hotels in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), engage in environmental sustainability and what benefits and negativities can be incurred from such activity, and to determine the extent to which hotels use their own corporate websites to disseminate information pertaining to their environmental sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in business has infiltrated since the latter half of the twentieth century. The hotel industry claims to engage in environmental sustainability due to the impact hotels have on the environment and considering the benefits that can arise from being environmentally friendly, such as positive corporate image and awareness of company’s stakeholders regarding company’s policies, practices and initiatives. A literature review regarding the current, most commonly used environmental practices and policies of hotels was conducted and content analysis was carried out in websites of companies and independent hotels in Dubai, UAE. Findings – Key findings showed that the environmental practices and policies which were the cheapest and easiest to implement were the most commonly used among hotels, and that hotel companies provided more corporate online environmental information than independent hotels. Overall, currently, hotels in Dubai do not effectively use online environmental reporting to their stakeholders, which should be an area of improvement by 2020. Research limitations/implications – Further research should be conducted in small and medium enterprises to identify benefits and challenges of and create awareness of the importance of online environmental reporting preparing for Expo2020. Originality/value – The analysis presented aims to highlight the importance of online environmental reporting by hotels and to compare and contrast ways of communicating CSR activities between hotel companies and independent hotels in Dubai, UAE.

Impact of quality management systems on firm performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1034-1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar ◽  
J. Maiti ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Iso 9001 ◽  
Theory Of Constraints ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Within the operations management literature, quality management (QM) has been one of the most popular research areas over the last few decades. The impact of QM systems on firm performance has been the subject of constant interest and challenge among researchers. Last such review was done in 2002 based on QM-related articles published between 1994 and 1999 and these were primarily on Total Quality Management (TQM). In the last 18 years, a large number of empirical studies have been attempted to investigate QM system-performance relationships in different contexts, covering not only TQM but also other QM systems such as ISO 9001, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Lean Manufacturing, Theory of Constraints (TOC), and Six Sigma Continuous Improvement projects. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Based on an extensive review of 263 papers published in 17 reputed journals during the period 2000 to 2017, this paper shows the reflections of QM systems with respect to study of different QM systems, type of research designs being used, performance categories and metrics being used, and application of tools/techniques. Findings The literature review has revealed several gaps in research in the area of QM and calls for research on: empirical longitudinal case studies; implementation of multiple QM systems; identification of leading indicators of firm’s performance; standardization of performance measures; safety, environment and health-related performance measures; the differences in the QM systems on firm’s performance for manufacturing vs service organizations; application of QM systems in developing countries including Asian countries; and impact of ISO 9001 QM system on firm’s performance. Originality/value The literature reviews in the past had considered only the TQM-related articles published in reputed journals and did not cover other QM systems such as TPM, TOC, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 QMS, etc., which have also been widely used in many organizations, more so in the last 15 years.

The AMSE Lean Six Sigma governance model

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Arcidiacono ◽  
Nico Costantino ◽  
Kai Yang
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Corporations ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The sustainability of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program represents the most challenging aspect for most of the organizations dealing with this methodology. In this scenario, the purpose of this paper is the description of the AMSE (which stands for Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion) Model, that represents a leading-edge approach to implement an effective LSS deployment on a permanent basis, by means of a structured roadmap. Design/methodology/approach The AMSE roadmap is made of four operating phases – Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion – it is a Model to govern the LSS deployment and to maximize both operative and economical results on a long-term basis. Findings One of the main problems of LSS programs is their sustainability (sustainability of projects and the overall program) over time; the AMSE Model allows the deployment of an LSS Governance Structure with a clear definition of tasks; this model can be effectively applied both to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and global companies, regardless of the sector. Practical implications Both SMEs and global corporations could benefit from applying the AMSE in terms of operational efficiency, culture improvement and people engagement. Originality/value The AMSE Model represents an innovative approach for sustaining a continuous improvement culture in the organizations over time, by defining four steps (Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion), divided into detailed tasks, each of which is characterized by its own specific tools.

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

Does entrepreneurs’ improvisational behavior improve firm performance in time of crisis?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Competitive Intensity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper examines the effect of improvisational behavior of entrepreneurs on firm performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand during the economic crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also explores external factors in terms of competitive intensity and internal factors in terms of financial and human resources possessed by firms that could enhance the impact of improvisational behavior on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered online questionnaire survey was used to collect the data from the random sample of 312 SMEs in Thailand. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings The analysis supports the positive relationship between the improvisational behavior of entrepreneurs and firm performance. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis shows that the positive impact of improvisational behavior on firm performance tends to be stronger for firms that encountered a higher level of competitive intensity and for firms that possessed a higher level of financial and human resources. Originality/value This research extends the knowledge from prior research by confirming some moderating factors that could strengthen the benefit of improvisational behavior during the crisis.

Celebrating a decade of International Journal of Lean Six Sigma – a bibliometric analysis to uncover the “as is” and “to be” states

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveen Puram ◽  
Anand Gurumurthy
Keyword(s):  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Purpose International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) has completed a decade. To celebrate the same, this study aims to review the articles published in IJLSS from its inception to the year 2020. The journal’s trends and professional impact over the years are investigated and potential future research directions are proposed. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis comprising of citation, co-citation and keyword co-occurrence methods is used on all the articles published in IJLSS till the year 2020. Content analysis is further done to analyse the type of research, type of industry studied and the articles’ target audience. Findings The journal has improved its reputation, productivity and impact over the years. Currently, studies published in IJLSS have been cited more than 5,000 times, with the most prominent themes being Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Lean in manufacturing and services. Researchers from India, the USA and the UK have contributed a significant number of publications. Most of the work published is case-based. There is a need for more empirical or survey-based research having high generalizability. Future studies should also focus on integrating LSS with emerging topics such as sustainability, Industry 4.0 and the like. Research limitations/implications The study provides evidence of the impact of IJLSS and highlights the trend in the domain of LSS. It can be of use for the editorial board members to identify potential areas to focus on in the future. Researchers can use it to further their research by working on the research gaps identified. Originality/value This paper is the first to trace the progress of IJLSS from its inception till the year 2020.

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