scholarly journals Lean Six-Sigma: the means to healing an ailing NHS?

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1976-1988 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Bancroft ◽  
Krish Saha ◽  
Di Li ◽  
Gabor Lukacs ◽  
Xavier Pierron
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
Accident And Emergency ◽  
Timely Fashion ◽  
Performance Challenges

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine England’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) arm of the National Health Service (NHS). It considers the positive impact that Lean has had and Six-Sigma can have in A&E departments to improve the quality and reliability of the service offered, in an area that is facing performance challenges. Design/methodology/approach Independent variables average monthly temperature data (degrees Celsius) obtained from the Met Office and weekly A&E data, patient volume is analysed alongside the dependent variable, the percentage of patients seen in 4 h or less. Findings The model produced a robust positive impact when Lean Six-Sigma is adopted, increasing the likelihood of A&E dependents meeting their performance objective to see and treat patients in 4 h or less. Research limitations/implications Further variables such as staffing levels, A&E admission type should be considered in future studies. Additionally, it would add further clarity to analyse hospitals and trusts individually, to gauge which are struggling. Practical implications Should the NHS further its understanding and adoption of Lean Six-Sigma, it is believed this could have significant improvements in productivity, patient care and cost reduction. Social implications Productivity improvements will allow the NHS to do more with an equal amount of funding, therefore improving capacity and patient care. Originality/value Through observing A&E and its ability to treat patients in a timely fashion it is clear the NHS is struggling to meet its performance objectives, the recommendation of Six-Sigma in A&E should improve the reliability and quality of care offered to patients.

Lean Six Sigma leadership in higher education institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 638-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Lu ◽  
Chad Laux ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Leadership Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Leadership Framework

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) leadership model could be effectively utilized to resolve efficiency and effective issues like rising costs, quality of education, graduation and retention rates encountered in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the modern era. Design/methodology/approach The authors systematically reviewed the literature on key concepts of LSS and leadership in HEIs in to develop a theoretical model using an inductive theory-building approach in accordance with the exploratory nature of the study. Findings The results of the study proposed a conceptual LSS leadership framework, which provides a basis for testing of LSS leadership representations in HEIs. The results suggest that LSS leadership has advantages for HEI to overcome currents issues and challenges. Research limitations/implications This research is a theoretical study based on the existing literature that identified characteristics that may be adopted in higher education. The proposed LSS leadership framework is based upon leadership, statistical thinking, continuous change and improvement. This model is based upon service and the concepts of adaptive, rather than technical work, of leaders in higher education. Practical implications The proposed LSS leadership framework brings new aspects and perspectives of leadership in HEIs. LSS leadership model has its practical meaning in providing a fundamental base for HEIs to overcome challenges, fulfill missions, and sustain improvements. Social implications HEIs are a foundation for principles of democracy, equality and diversity. HEIs have been a path for citizens but HEIs are facing challenges that are reducing the ability of individuals to improve themselves. Leadership of HEI needs to incorporate new principles to adapt to a changing society. Originality/value LSS project leaders have achieved improved bottom line results and customer satisfaction in a wide range of industries, but LSS application in the HEIs remains to be explored. This paper proposes an effective LSS leadership model, which can help improve the quality of education, reduce non-value added costs and enhance operational efficiency of HEIs.

scholarly journals Improving the Written Medical Handover

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e000278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Martin ◽  
Melanie Huddart ◽  
Cara Garbett ◽  
Wendell Storr ◽  
Olivia Watts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Medical Patients ◽  
Ward Staff ◽  
Staffing Levels ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Ongoing Work ◽  
Medical Inpatients

The handover of large numbers of medical patients, during on call periods when staffing levels are reduced, is a challenge for all acute medical services. At the Royal Cornwall Hospital, a large district general hospital, we identified that foundation doctors were reviewing medical inpatients during weekend on call periods with limited written handover information. We chose to address this problem by developing an intervention, a weekend handover sticker, and piloting it. We used the review of documentation to measure improvement and feedback from users to assess the processes involved. Use of the weekend handover form improved the written communication between weekday and weekend teams. The number of weekend plans documented in the notes increased from 15% to 84% and the provision of a patient summary within the last 7 days increased from 26% to 94%. The feedback from users confirmed it was a useful intervention and 100% (15/15) of doctors and nurses responded positively to the question “Do you think the weekend sticker should be introduced and used at the weekend for all medical patients?” The feedback also identified concerns regarding additional workload for weekday ward staff and this has led to ongoing work to try and ensure that the weekend handover form continues to be used effectively to maintain an improved level of written handover information for on call staff. While we have not included a direct measure of patient care, we hope that by improving the quality of written handover information we are acting to ensure patient information is shared effectively, with likely positive impact on patient care.

Process mining and lean six sigma: a novel approach to analyze the supply chain quality of a hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Ramires ◽  
Paulo Sampaio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Process Mining ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Novel Approach

PurposeThis paper aims to depict the practical execution of the problem-solving structure provided by the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) framework in combination with the analytical power provided by process mining capabilities, to improve the supply chain quality of a health-care provider. Design/methodology/approachPrior to the study, a literature review was conducted to identify existing frameworks combining six sigma with process mining. The authors use a descriptive case study approach to explain how the two methodologies blend across the different phases of DMAIC in a health-care setting. FindingsThis case study describes how analyzing data extracted from core information systems has significant value to improvement initiatives when complemented by traditional quality methods. By intersecting process mining techniques with lean six sigma tools, the researchers found 65% of orders not complying with the target ordering time and 200 redundant purchases with high operational costs. Research limitations/implicationsBy depicting how the two methodologies can be intertwined, this paper complements existing research by presenting it as a viable quality improvement approach. Practical implicationsThis paper provides insights for six sigma and process mining practitioners on the benefits of combining both methodologies within the DMAIC structure. Implementing this blended approach can bring visibility to operations and accelerate process improvement initiatives. Originality/valueThe prime value of this paper lies in the integration of traditional six sigma methods with process mining as a technological approach in a health-care context, going beyond existing research, which, to the best of the knowledge, lacks descriptive case studies.

Can Lean Six Sigma make UK public sector organisations more efficient and effective?

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (7) ◽  
pp. 995-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Bryan Rodgers ◽  
E.V. Gijo
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Community Empowerment ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Holistic Approaches ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the widespread but fragmented application of Lean Six Sigma within the UK public sector, providing the context of some of the challenges faced within the sector as well as some of the successful applications of Lean Six Sigma. The paper fundamentally seeks to challenge the concept that Lean Six Sigma is not suitable for use in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach A summary of the challenges facing the public sector is shown from current literature and this is presented as drivers for change. A number of successful applications of Lean Six Sigma are then evidenced demonstrating examples across areas of the public sector. Findings This paper concludes that while Lean Six Sigma is applicable to the UK public sector additional work is required to better evidence the benefits and return on investment that can be delivered as well as considering more holistic approaches on an agency wide basis. Research limitations/implications This paper seeks to contribute to and broaden the limited body of evidence of the applicability of Lean Six Sigma to the UK public sector and identifies areas for further research and review. Practical implications Understanding the applicability of Lean Six Sigma affords opportunities to public sector agencies in the current budget climate but additionally affords ways in which quality of service can be enhanced. In some cases, it provides opportunities to meet new statutory requirements around community empowerment. Originality/value The paper contributes to the body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma within the public sector and suggests opportunity for those agencies to meet funding challenges faced across the UK.

Reducing medication errors using lean six sigma methodology in a Thai hospital: an action research study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaifa Trakulsunti ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Mary Dempsey ◽  
Attracta Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Dispensing Errors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and its associated tools to reduce dispensing errors in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThe action research methodology was used to illustrate the implementation of Lean Six Sigma through the collaboration between the researcher and participants. The project team followed the Lean Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology and applied its tools in various phases of the methodology.FindingsThe number of dispensing errors decreased from 6 to 2 incidents per 20,000 inpatient days per month between April 2018 and August 2019 representing a 66.66% reduction. The project has improved the dispensing process performance resulting in dispensing error reduction and improved patient safety. The communication channels between the hospital pharmacy and the pharmacy technicians have also been improved.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted in an inpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital in Thailand. Therefore, the findings from this study cannot be generalized beyond the specific setting. However, the findings are applicable in the case of similar contexts and/or situations.Originality/valueThis is the first study that employs a continuous improvement methodology for the purpose of improving the dispensing process and the quality of care in a hospital. This study contributes to an understanding of how the application of action research can save patients' lives, improve patient safety and increase work satisfaction in the pharmacy service.

A conceptual examination of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma models for managing waste in manufacturing SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsimran Singh Sodhi ◽  
Doordarshi Singh ◽  
Bikram Jit Singh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufactured Products ◽  
Manufacturing Organizations ◽  
Scrap Reduction ◽  
Manufacturing Organization

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and evaluate various Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) models proposed by various researchers, which have been implemented in manufacturing organizations. Design/methodology/approach The present study has followed three major steps in methodology. In the first step, pooling of various research articles has been done, followed by development of the primary results. At the final step, analysis and development of the LSS model have been performed. Findings This paper evaluated and examined various models of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and LSS and developed an advanced LSS model that can be deployed in any manufacturing organization with the purpose of scrap reduction. Originality/value The findings of this study will assist shop floor managers to implement an LSS model in their organizations, which can effectively reduce the waste and enhance the overall productivity and quality of the manufactured products.

Opportunities for Lean Six Sigma in public sector municipalities

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Organizational Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Goods And Services

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate awareness and opportunities for Lean Six Sigma in public sector municipalities striving to become more efficient and effective in the quality and delivery of services and goods leading to increased citizen satisfaction and budget savings. Design/methodology/approach Lean Six Sigma is a quality improvement methodology widely implemented in the for-profit sectors and, now, is expanding into the public sector. This study includes a literature review on Lean Six Sigma, supported by results from interviews with public sector officials, and includes recommendations for how public sector entities can utilize Lean Six Sigma. Findings Based on results from interviews with a sample of public sector officials, this study uncovered that overall there exists a keen interest in Lean Six Sigma and how it can be applied to streamline and improve organizational processes, produce cost-savings, improve organizational culture and improve the quality of goods and services. This study also discovers that there are plenty of opportunities for Lean Six Sigma in the public sector and municipalities can, in fact, incorporate its philosophy and methodology to streamline and improve organizational processes, produce cost-savings, improve organizational culture and improve the quality of goods and services. Originality/value Abundant literature exists on Lean Six Sigma and the private sector. This study includes a review of the literature supported by interview results of public sector officials and suggests techniques for how public sector municipalities can utilize the Lean Six Sigma methodology. In a twenty-first-century economy, public sector officials are looking for ways to maximize their tax dollars while increasing the quality of their goods and services; Lean Six Sigma is a framework that can make these objectives become a reality.

Improving university facilities services using Lean Six Sigma: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen F. Mohamed Isa ◽  
Mumtaz Usmen
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
General Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Construction Services ◽  
Design And Construction

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on the use of Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to study the improvement in design and construction services at a university. The quality of facilities services at universities has been criticized by users calling for improvement. Design/methodology/approach – Quality of facilities services at universities has been criticized by users calling for improvement. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study on using Lean Six Sigma principles and tools to study improving design and construction services at a university. Findings – It was found that non-value-added general improvement review form (GIRF) process steps involving revisions and rework for the design and construction result in time delays, cost increases and quality deficiencies and render cost estimates unreliable; these are unnecessary and should be minimized or eliminated. It was additionally noted that administrative reviews and approvals embedded in GIRF processes slow down work flow, leading to similar problems. Because such steps may be needed for institutional reasons precluding elimination, it was recommended that efforts be directed toward reducing their durations and costs. Overall, the Lean Six Sigma methodology proved to be successful for the intended purpose. Originality/value – Although universities are aware of their facilities services’ quality issues and have been addressing them, no published information is available on how to systematically evaluate and improve such services to increase customer satisfaction. This paper aims at filling this gap.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document