Six Sigma in healthcare: a systematic review of the literature

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1075-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Pruksathorn Palsuk ◽  
Sandeep Gupta ◽  
Deepa Mishra ◽  
Paul Barach
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the systematic role played by Six Sigma methodology in improving the quality of healthcare. The literature review identifies the relevant opportunities for successful introduction and development of Six Sigma approach in healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach A systematic methodology to identifying literature on Six Sigma in healthcare is presented. Web of Science, Medline, Emerald Insight, ASQ and ProQuest databases (1998-2016) were searched, and 68 papers of fair methodological quality were identified. Findings The findings of the systematic review reveal a growing interest in research on Six Sigma adoption in healthcare. The findings indicate that Six Sigma applications in healthcare have been focused on the entire hospital with no real focus on a particular department or function. The key findings on benefits, success factors, challenges and common tools of Six Sigma from the existing literature are also presented in the paper. Research limitations/implications The papers included in the systematic review were peer-reviewed papers available in English. Due to these limitations, relevant papers may have been excluded. Moreover, the authors have excluded all conference and white papers for their inclusion in this study. Originality/value This paper can serve as a guide on how Six Sigma approach can be applied to improve the quality of healthcare. The authors also believe that this is possibly the most comprehensive systematic literature review on the topic and will set the foundation for various research avenues based on the key findings of this study.

Six Sigma and SMEs: a critical review of literature

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil V. Deshmukh ◽  
Ashish Chavan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Deductive Reasoning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Culture ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to capture the evolution and status of utilization of the Six Sigma philosophy in the development of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as to document prominent development of practices through a systematic literature review.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted for this study used the principles of content analysis and deductive reasoning vis‐à‐vis various sub domains of Six Sigma methodology pertaining to industries in general and SMEs in particular.FindingsThe literature revealed that: Management's commitment is most important in SME Six sigma implementation. Benefits of Six Sigma have been enjoyed largely by the bigger industrial units and to a relatively lesser extent by the smaller units, i.e. SMEs. Quality management culture has largely been ignored or given less importance in the SME sector, which is evident from the meagre literature. There is a dearth of clear and SME‐specific methodologies (for Six Sigma approach) for quality improvement and there are far fewer models for quality improvement in the SME sector.Originality/valueIt has been found, on the basis of a systematic literature review approach (used in this paper), that quality management and development in SMEs needs to be done in a planned manner using Six Sigma roadmap.

Credit card account opening excellence using six sigma methodology

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samsul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Credit Card ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach ◽  
Opening Process

Purpose This study aims to expand the current knowledge of the Six Sigma approach in a period of time when there is little direct evidence of the need to improve the credit card account opening process. This is an important but neglected area of focus in the Six Sigma literature. This study explores the extent to which process improvement practices are extended to the credit card department. Design/methodology/approach A case study methodology is adopted in this study to facilitate an exploration of the implemented Six Sigma approach in the credit card department of a leading commercial bank. The process improvement tool used is the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) cycle. Findings The study’s results confirm that the Six Sigma approach improves the quality of the credit card account opening process. So, the Six Sigma approach can account for a reduced number of keying-in errors, resulting in better data accuracy and improved customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications The authors, in an attempt to render the study results more feasible for data collection, have chosen to focus on the process of the new accounts unit of the credit card department. Therefore, the authors have not taken into account the other units (e.g. transaction processing) of the same department. Practical implications The results of this study will be useful in persuading bank management to evaluate and implement the Six Sigma approach. Hence, this research will assist bank managers with replies to questions, such as: “What impact will Six Sigma have on process-centric improvement, such as the new accounts opening process of a credit card department?” Originality/value Within the literature on the Six Sigma practice, there is little research that focuses on the implementation of this particular toolset especially for credit card departments. This indicates a gap in the field. A new contribution to bridging that gap comes from the analysis of the results for the Six Sigma concept, which addresses the new accounts opening process.

Enhancing Six Sigma methodology using simulation techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ahmed ◽  
John Page ◽  
John Olsen
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Simulation Techniques ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology

Purpose In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of simulation tools within Six Sigma methodology. The purpose of this study is to provide a more comprehensive literature review on the topic exploring how this amalgamation could work both in theory and practice. This precisely entailed finding dependable studies that shows how Six Sigma (DMAIC) Methodology can be enhanced by the three prevalent simulation techniques; Agent-Based (AB), Discrete-Events (DE), System Dynamics (SD). Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was considered more fitting in research because it involves rigorous and well-defined approach compared to other forms of literature review. In this case, the literature was comprehensive, well-encompassing and involved finding Six Sigma and Simulations literatures from reputable scholarly databases. The outcome of these reviews was the identification of a set of key finding compiled and classified by topics. The study follows an inductive approach and utilises a meta-synthesis review technique. Findings As numerous studies assert, simulation techniques including AB, DE and SD are applicable tools in almost every stage of DMAIC, especially the Analyse, Improve and Control phases, because of their capability to test and identify potential bottlenecks and improvement areas. Findings show that the simulation tools such as CLDs, Group Model Building, Dynamic Balance Scorecards and Cost of poor quality all have the potential to add value to a Six Sigma methodology. Originality/value The findings of this study highlight the importance of further inquiry in this area of study. The finding of this study suggests that although the study on the integration of Six Sigma and simulations is increasing, empirical evidence on its effectiveness is still limited. Therefore, this study suggests more roadmaps and investigations aimed at merging Six Sigma methodology and various simulation technique. Moreover, studies that centre on hybrid or multi-method simulations within Six Sigma are also urgently necessitated.

A DMAIC Six Sigma approach to quality improvement in the anodising stage of the amplifier production process

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 1868-1880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Sharma ◽  
Suresh Chander Malik ◽  
Anshu Gupta ◽  
P.C. Jha
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Production Process ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach ◽  
Current Reality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the anodising process of a portable amplifier production process to identify and eliminate the sources of variations, in order to improve the process productivity. Design/methodology/approach The study employs the define-measure-analyse-improve-control (DMAIC) Six Sigma methodology. Within the DMAIC framework various tools of quality management such as SIPOC analysis, cause and effect diagram, current reality tree, etc., are used in different stages. Findings High rejection rate was found to be the main problem leading to lower productivity of the process. Four types of defects were identified as main cause of rejections in the baseline process. Pareto analysis resulted in detection of the top defects, which were then analysed in details to find the root cause of the problem. Further study resulted in finding improvement measures that were discussed with the management before implementation. The process is sampled again to check the improvements, and control measures were established. Practical implications The study provides a framework for implementation of DMAIC Six Sigma methodology for a manufacturing firm. The results presented are based on the data collected from the shop floor. Results and findings of the study were implemented for quality improvement of the process. Originality/value The study is based on an original research conducted with the objective of quality improvement in the anodising process of the production process. Besides presenting an approach to DMAIC Six Sigma methodology, an application of the current reality tree tool for root cause analysis is presented, a tool used limitedly in the Six Sigma studies. The tool finds its uniqueness in its ability to address problems relating multiple factors than isolated factors.

Humming noise reduction of ceiling fan in the mass production applying DMAIC-six sigma approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-121
Author(s):  
Rubel Ahammed ◽  
Md. Zahid Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Hypothesis Test ◽  
Process Condition ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Air Gap ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Poor ◽  
And Control ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

Purpose Success and business reputation depend upon the quality of products where product quality depends upon the capability of a process, yield value and sigma score, etc. Poor quality of ceiling fan and mass rejection from quality check resulted in an alarming amount of cost for rework. As a result, the fulfillment of the production target was getting difficult day by day. The main purpose of this research is to identify the crucial causes for humming noise of ceiling fans and control it to a tolerable level so that maximum quality can be achieved. Design/methodology/approach The poor quality of ceiling fans was determined from the Pareto analysis of the define, measure, analyze, improve and control model which was humming noise during running and further actions were undertaken regarding the reduction of the humming noise. Project charter was formed before initiating the measure phase to study the suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs and customers diagram with process parameters and existing noise data were collected from random samples to determine the rolled throughput yield (94.95% existing) and existing sigma score which value of 3.14 and also the poor value (1.05) of process potential index implied that the process condition was below standard (<1.33) and need to be improved badly. Then root causes analysis and relationship diagram was prepared to identify the possible causes and with the design of experiments and correlation analysis, it was clear that the air gap between the stator and rotor was the main culprit behind the humming noise. Findings The minimum value of air gap was determined from boxplot analysis which was 0.2 mm–0.225 mm and the corresponding mean, the minimum and maximum value of sound level in dB (37.5–40.3 dB) for 0.225 mm air gap with the watt consumption (83 w) from the hypothesis test for the corresponding air gap. Finally, the updated sigma score and process capability analysis were performed with control charts to show the comparison after applying the DMAIC-six sigma methodology. The final sigma score was 5.1 which indicates a significant improvement of the process with the capability of saving US$23,438/year caused by the poor quality of ceiling fans. Practical implications Only quantitative values of the causes behind the humming noise were possible to identify. Other trivial many causes elimination might improve the sigma score closer to 6.00. The final sigma score that was achieved from this research was sustainable. Originality/value A structural approach with proper data analysis and application of various tools to detect the actual cause behind the humming noise of ceiling fans with numerical value has not been found in any literature. This research study can be a valuable asset for ceiling fan mass producers.

An examination of changing patterns in Lean Six Sigma research

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 23-25
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Keyword Search ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Six Sigma Approach

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine patterns in the research contributions from individuals in the field to detect whether they reflect the evolution of academic discussion concerning integration of Lean and Six Sigma methodology over a fixed time period. Design/methodology/approach Data was gathered from a keyword search of articles in the SCOBUS data base to determine the most frequent contributors in the areas of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma research. Searches were carried out over five-yearly intervals from 2000 to 2015 and the twenty-one top contributors in each time period were identified. Findings The findings show that research contributions have moved away from looking at the single methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma and towards research based on the integrated Lean Six Sigma approach. The analysis also suggested that researchers may be publishing papers using different methodologies in response to different challenges in selecting the most appropriate tools to meet the needs of the specific issues they are addressing rather than advocating a particular approach. Practical implications For organizations to optimize performance a flexible approach would be beneficial with consideration being given to the specific issue and the correct tools and methodology selected from an integrated system or from Lean or Six Sigma systems alone. Originality/value This paper has originality in its’ consideration of the patterns of research contributions over a fixed time period as a reflection of the shift in debate from exclusive Lean or Six Sigma approaches to a more integrated Lean Six Sigma system.

Critical review of literature on Lean Six Sigma methodology

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anand S. Patel ◽  
Kaushik M. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Failure Factors

Purpose This paper aims to develop an initial understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology since its inception and examine the few Lean Six Sigma dimensions as a research domain through a critical review of the literature. Design/methodology/approach The paper is structured in two-part. The first part of the paper attempts to dwell on the evolution of the Lean Philosophy and Six Sigma methodology individually and the emergence of Lean Six Sigma methodology, covered under the Lean Six Sigma: a historical outline section. The second part of the study examines the dimensions associated with Lean Six Sigma such as frameworks, critical success factors, critical failure factors, type of industry, performance metric, year, publisher and journal, based on a total of 223 articles published in 72 reputed journals from the year 2000 to 2019 as a literature review. Findings The adoption of Lean Six Sigma, as a continuous improvement methodology, has grown enormously in the manufacturing and few service sectors such as health care and higher education during the past decade. The study revealed that researchers came out with conceptual frameworks for the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, whereas the validation through case studies seems to be lacking. The integration of Lean Six Sigma and other approaches with a focus on sustainability and the environment has emerged as a research field. A few of the most common critical success and failure factors were identified from the articles studied during the study. Research limitations/implications This paper may not have included some of the studies due to the inaccessibility and selection criteria followed for the study. Originality/value This paper will provide an initial introduction on Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma and research insights Lean Six Sigma to beginners such as students, researchers and entry-level professionals.

Six Sigma critical success factors in Brazilian industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 702-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abel Ribeiro de Jesus ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Herman Augusto Lepikson ◽  
Adriano L. A. Peixoto
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Companies ◽  
Critical Success ◽  
Methodological Strategy

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) that are regarded as the most important in Six Sigma programs in Brazil and to compare these rankings with those in international literature. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of industrial companies was selected to complete a survey. In total, 104 questionnaires were obtained. The results were compared with a literature review consisting of 26 papers from 13 countries. In total, 70 CSFs were found in the papers, but 19 CSFs were analyzed and reduced to ten. A multivariate factor analysis further reduced this number to two underlying constructs. Findings – The authors identified a CSFs common denominator/ranking based on the sample of international articles. The authors found that there are four CSFs that are more prevalent in Brazil and in the international papers studied and that there are no differences between the importance of CSFs in terms of hierarchical levels. Three gaps, five levers and two CSFs constructs were identified. Social implications – This study may initiate cooperation between the studied companies and academia, thus possibly increasing these organization’ knowledge regarding Six Sigma. Originality/value – The originality of this study is that the survey was conducted with companies in Brazil, a country where little information exists on Six Sigma programs. The authors also contributed a literature review on CSFs, a comparison based on most of the consulted papers and the use of a robust methodological strategy that was made possible by the sample size.

Lean and Six Sigma in acute care: a systematic review of reviews

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Deblois ◽  
Luigi Lepanto
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Review Of Reviews

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic review of literature reviews, summarizing how Lean and Six Sigma management techniques have been implemented in acute care settings to date, and assessing their impact. To aid decision makers who wish to use these techniques by identifying the sectors of activity most often targeted, the main results of the interventions, as well as barriers and facilitators involved. To identify areas of future research. Design/methodology/approach – A literature search was conducted, using eight databases. The methodological quality of the selected reviews was appraised with AMSTAR. A narrative synthesis was performed according to the guidelines proposed by Popay et al. (2006). Data were reported according to PRISMA. Findings – The literature search identified 149 publications published from 1999 to January 2015. Seven literature reviews were included into the systematic review, upon appraisal. The overall quality of the evidence was poor to fair. The clinical settings most described were specialized health care services, including operating suites, intensive care units and emergency departments. The outcomes most often appraised related to processes and quality. The evidence suggests that Lean and Six Sigma are better adapted to settings where processes involve a linear sequence of events. Research limitations/implications – There is a need for more studies of high methodological quality to better understand the effects of these approaches as well as the factors of success and barriers to their implementation. Field studies comparing the effects of Lean and Six Sigma to those of other process redesign or quality improvement efforts would bring a significant contribution to the body of knowledge. Practical implications – Lean and Six Sigma can be considered valuable process optimization approaches in acute health care settings. The success of their implementation requires significant participation of clinical personnel from the frontline as well as clinical leaders and managers. More research is needed to better understand the factors of success and the barriers to their implementation, as well as their long-term impact. Originality/value – This is the first broad systematic review of reviews, synthesizing data pertaining to implementation issues and results in acute care settings, to be published. It will benefit health care managers assessing the potential of these approaches and the potential drawbacks associated with their implementation. Moreover, it identifies directions for future research.

scholarly journals Success Factors and Benefits of Six Sigma Implementation in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashid M. Alhamali
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Quality Of Service ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Critical Success Factors ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Critical Factors ◽  
Technical Aspects ◽  
Critical Success

This review explores critical success factors of Six Sigma implementation in hospitals and identifies the benefits. Data sources and Methodology: Prior studies on Six Sigma (SS) totaling 100 were selected from more than 100 journals. These studies came from numerous databases and are classified based on the year of publication. Journal names with corresponding number of papers selected are reported. The review reveals 25 critical success factors (CSF) necessary in the implementation of Six Sigma, encompassing numerous aspects of an organization such as managerial, statistical, and technical aspects. Twenty benefits derived from SS’s implementation are identified, including various improvements in terms of the organizations’ processes, financial performance, and quality of service. The success of Six Sigma implementation depends on several critical factors, some of which are best considered before its introduction, while others must be addressed during the process itself. Other factors are external and should be considered during and after its implementation. Not all Six Sigma initiatives are successful nor result in great benefits. Therefore, organizations must analyze their need for Six Sigma projects and base their decisions on the availability/presence of the CSF. Organizations, including hospitals, can gain numerous benefits from Six Sigma implementation but must first evaluate Six Sigma’s introduction and implementation against their abilities to achieve desired outcomes.

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