scholarly journals Six Sigma in Health Literature, What Matters?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8795
Author(s):  
Ana-Beatriz Hernández-Lara ◽  
Maria-Victoria Sánchez-Rebull ◽  
Angels Niñerola
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Societal Impact ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health Field ◽  
Alternative Metrics

Six Sigma has been widely used in the health field for process or quality improvement, constituting a quite profusely investigated topic. This paper aims at exploring why some studies have more academic and societal impact, attracting more attention from academics and health professionals. Academic and societal impact was addressed using traditional academic metrics and alternative metrics, often known as altmetrics. We conducted a systematic search following the PRISMA statement through three well-known databases, and identified 212 papers published during 1998–2019. We conducted zero-inflated negative binomial regressions to explore the influence of bibliometric and content determinants on traditional academic and alternative metrics. We observe that the factors influencing alternative metrics are more varied and difficult to apprehend than those explaining traditional impact metrics. We also conclude that, independently of how the impact is measured, the paper’s content, rather than bibliometric characteristics, better explains its impact. In the specific case of research on Six Sigma applied to health, the papers with more impact address process improvement focusing on time and waste reduction. This study sheds light on the aspects that better explain publications’ impact in the field of Six Sigma application in health, either from an academic or a societal point of view.

Comprehensive insight into supplier quality and the impact of quality strategies of suppliers on outsourcing decisions

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meryem Uluskan ◽  
Jeffrey A. Joines ◽  
A. Blanton Godfrey
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Quality Factors ◽  
Essential Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – This study aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the role of the quality management (QM) systems in international suppliers (e.g. ISO, Total Quality Management, Lean and Six Sigma) on outsourcing decisions of buyer companies with regard to reshoring activities. Design/methodology/approach – By the means of a comprehensive survey data collected within USA textile and apparel industry, the authors identify four quality factors and compare these factors for international and domestic suppliers by the means of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and consequently define a reshore vector. Next, the most-effective QM system within international suppliers is analyzed by the means of a new application based on LDA. Findings – The results reveal that international suppliers perform worse for all quality factors compared to domestic USA suppliers, which may leave the door open for reshoring activities. Furthermore, it is shown that Lean and Six Sigma within international suppliers lead to superior levels of quality because they are aligned along the most opposite directions against reshore vector. Therefore, it is claimed that Lean and Six Sigma within the international suppliers can inhibit reshoring activities of US companies. Practical implications – The willingness of US textile companies to assist their international suppliers and the challenges on this subject are discussed on the basis that supplier development (or quality management) programs can be strong alternatives to reshoring activities. Originality/value – QM systems in suppliers are analyzed with a new method within a new context based on reshore phenomenon, which provides an essential point of view for academic and industrial environments.

scholarly journals Improving the performance of organizational innovation processes by applying the Six Sigma methodology

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1098-1108
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Ifrim ◽  
Gabriela Elena Biţan ◽  
Dorin Maier ◽  
Teodora Elena Fogoroş
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Impact Analysis ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Innovation Processes

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to integrate the concept of innovation management with the Six Sigma methodology, focusing on the impact analysis of the quality management principles on the organizational innovation processes. To achieve this objective, the DMAIC methodology was used – define (D), measure (M), analyze (A), improve (I) and control (C). Based on this methodology by introducing innovation in the improvement phase of the DMAIC model, we developed the model called DMAIC - IM (DMAIC - Innovation Management model). A case study related to the implementation of the DMAIC-IM Model was carried out within a company that produces and sells products for the automotive industry. Thus, the performances of the processes were measured, the obtained values were compared with the ideal values from a statistical point of view and the methods for eliminating the variations were identified. Also, the critical factors of the innovation success of organizations were analyzed resulting ways to remove the obstacles that lead to this success. According to the research results, the application of the Six Sigma methodology has a positive impact on the performance of the organizational innovation processes. The proposed solution has a set of indicators and can help organizations to improve their system of evaluating the innovation processes performances.

The relationship between citations, downloads and alternative metrics in rheumatology publications: a bibliometric study

Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie M Y Chen ◽  
Marwan Bukhari ◽  
Francesca Cockshull ◽  
James Galloway
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
H Index ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
Number Of Citations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Alternative Metrics

Abstract Objective Scientific journals and authors are frequently judged on ‘impact’. Commonly used traditional metrics are the Impact Factor and H-index. However, both take several years to formulate and have many limitations. Recently, Altmetric—a metric that measures impact in a non-traditional way—has gained popularity. This project aims to describe the relationships between subject matter, citations, downloads and Altmetric within rheumatology. Methods Data from publications in Rheumatology were used. Articles published from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Data were analysed using Stata 14.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Correlation between citations, downloads and Altmetric were quantified using linear regression, comparing across disease topics. Relationship between downloads and months since publications were described using negative binomial regression, clustering on individual articles. Results A total of 1460 Basic Science and Clinical Science articles were identified, with the number of citations, downloads and Altmetric scores. There were no correlations between disease topic and downloads (R2 = 0.016, P = 0.03), citations (R2 = 0.011, P = 0.29) or Altmetric (R2 = 0.025, P = 0.02). A statistically significant positive association was seen between the number of citations and downloads (R2 = 0.29, P < 0.001). No correlations were seen between Altmetric and downloads (R2 = 0.028, P < 0.001) or citations (R2 = 0.004, P = 0.445). Conclusion Disease area did not correlate with any of the metrics compared. Correlations were apparent with clear links between downloads and citations. Altmetric identified different articles as high impact compared with citation or download metrics. In conclusion: tweeting about your research does not appear to influence citations.

scholarly journals Introducing the EMPIRE Index: A novel, value-based metric framework to measure the impact of medical publications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avishek Pal ◽  
Tomas James Rees
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
New England ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Societal Impact ◽  
Phase Iii Clinical Trial ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Total Impact ◽  
Component Scores ◽  
Alternative Metrics

Article-level measures of publication impact (alternative metrics or altmetrics) can help authors and other stakeholders assess engagement with their research and the success of their communication efforts. The wide variety of altmetrics can make interpretation and comparative assessment difficult; available summary tools are either narrowly focused or do not reflect the differing values of metrics from a stakeholder perspective. We created the EMPIRE (EMpirical Publication Impact and Reach Evaluation) Index, a value-based, multi-component metric framework for medical publications. Metric weighting and grouping were informed by a statistical analysis of 2891 Phase III clinical trial publications and by a panel of stakeholders who provided value assessments. The EMPIRE Index comprises three component scores (social, scholarly, and societal impact), each incorporating related altmetrics indicating a different aspect of engagement with the publication. These are averaged to provide a total impact score and benchmarked so that a score of 100 equals the mean scores of Phase III clinical trial publications in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in 2016. Predictor metrics are defined to estimate likely long-term impact. The social impact component correlated strongly with the Altmetric Attention Score and the scholarly impact component correlated modestly with CiteScore, with the societal impact component providing unique insights. Analysis of fresh metrics collected 1 year after the initial dataset, including an independent sample, showed that scholarly and societal impact scores continued to increase, whereas social impact scores did not. Analysis of NEJM notable articles showed that observational studies had the highest total impact and component scores, except for societal impact, for which surgical studies had the highest score. The EMPIRE Index provides a richer assessment of publication value than standalone traditional and alternative metrics and may enable medical researchers to assess the impact of publications easily and to understand what characterizes impactful research.

Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical research regulatory review processes: Lessons from the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e17554-e17554
Author(s):  
D. C. Stahl ◽  
C. J. Song ◽  
R. A. Figlin
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Clinical Research ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Regulatory Review ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
The Impact

e17554 Background: The duration and complexity of regulatory review processes are increasingly associated with the slow pace and high cost of clinical trials. To evaluate and minimize the impact of these factors, City of Hope (COH), a NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, developed a strategic initiative to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its clinical research review processes. The ongoing initiative is supported by Six Sigma-based techniques for problem identification and process optimization that have been successfully applied in other industries. Methods: The Six Sigma process improvement methodology known as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) was applied to five different clinical trial submission types (new study submissions, amendments, continuations, internal adverse events, external adverse events) reviewed by the COH Institutional Review Board (IRB), Cancer Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (CPRMC), and Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). A consistent set of metrics and expectations were created for each review process to evaluate pre-review queue times, review process durations, submissions returned for corrections, and submissions returned with conditional approvals. Results: Over 7,900 submissions received during a 15 month period were evaluated quarterly to identify opportunities for improvement and the effects of previously implemented solutions. Multiple root causes for submission defects and delays were identified, including: (1) staffing and training deficiencies, (2) suboptimal workload distribution, (3) unclear policies and processes, (4) submission standardization opportunities, and (5) workflow automation and other information technology opportunities. Ongoing remediation efforts have yielded substantial improvements. Conclusions: Although Six Sigma process improvement techniques were originally developed for manufacturing applications, they can be applied in a clinical research setting to improve regulatory review processes. The methodology was most effectively introduced incrementally via application to specific problems rather than a traditional top-down implementation. Support provided by NCI P30 CA33572. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A reconsideration of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare after the COVID-19 crisis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Kuiper ◽  
Robert H. Lee ◽  
Vincent J.J. van Ham ◽  
Ronald J.M.M. Does
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Healthcare Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reflect upon the ramifications of two decades of Lean Six Sigma implementations in Dutch healthcare institutions in the light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach The authors provide an evaluation of the impact that Lean Six Sigma implementations have had on the ability of Dutch healthcare institutions to respond adequately to healthcare needs during the COVID-19 crisis. Findings Process improvement in healthcare has had a tendency to cut capacity and flexibility which are needed to deal with excessive demand shocks, such as during a pandemic. The main reason for this failure seems to be an overly strong focus on cost reduction instigated by Lean Six Sigma during stable times. Research limitations/implications Besides the research method being an inferential procedure, the research focuses on the Netherlands and so the generalizability might be limited. However, using Lean Six Sigma to improve healthcare processes has found broad acceptance, so the implications may well carry over to other countries. Practical implications The authors call for a more comprehensive approach of process improvement within healthcare that takes flexibility and buffering in anticipation of excess variability and disruption into greater account. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective on how and to which aim Lean Six Sigma should be applied in healthcare. Originality/value An assessment is given of the impact of Lean Six Sigma implementations on the ability to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. This is done by identifying the focus points of improvement projects and considering the impact on the resilience of healthcare operations.

scholarly journals A study into the reasons for process improvement project failures: results from a pilot survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1699-1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Fabiane Letícia Lizarelli ◽  
Marcelo Machado Fernandes ◽  
Mary Dempsey ◽  
Attracta Brennan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pilot Survey ◽  
Project Failures ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Process improvement initiatives, such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, typically have common characteristics that are carried through projects. Whilst a project’s performance is an important determinant of the successful implementation of continuous improvement (CI) initiatives, its failure can undermine the impact of any CI initiative on business performance. As a result, an understanding of the reasons of process improvement project failures is crucial. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a pilot survey highlighting the most common reasons for process improvement project failures. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a pilot survey of 42 Brazilian manufacturing specialists who have been involved in process improvement projects. The participants of this survey were Six Sigma Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts and Six Sigma champions from manufacturing companies in Brazil. The survey questionnaire was piloted with five experts in the field in order to ensure that the questions were valid and technically sound. Findings The execution of Six Sigma projects in organizations results in a moderate rate of project failures. These failures can cost organizations several millions of dollars especially within the context of larger organizations. The main reasons for project failure, as cited by the specialists include: resistance to change, lack of commitment and support from top management and incompetent teams. Research limitations/implications The authors report the findings from a pilot survey having a limited sample size. Moreover, the data have been collected from one country and primarily from large manufacturing companies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study looking into the reasons for process improvement project failures. The authors argue that if the top reasons for such failures are understood, a framework can be developed in the future that can mitigate the chance of project failures during project execution. This could potentially lead to significant savings to the bottom-line of many organizations.

The Geosciences Applied to Lunar Exploration

1962 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 169-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Green
Keyword(s):  
Lunar Surface ◽  
Probable Mechanism ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Lunar Exploration ◽  
Geological Model ◽  
Apply Geophysics ◽  
Surface Features ◽  
The Impact

The term geo-sciences has been used here to include the disciplines geology, geophysics and geochemistry. However, in order to apply geophysics and geochemistry effectively one must begin with a geological model. Therefore, the science of geology should be used as the basis for lunar exploration. From an astronomical point of view, a lunar terrain heavily impacted with meteors appears the more reasonable; although from a geological standpoint, volcanism seems the more probable mechanism. A surface liberally marked with volcanic features has been advocated by such geologists as Bülow, Dana, Suess, von Wolff, Shaler, Spurr, and Kuno. In this paper, both the impact and volcanic hypotheses are considered in the application of the geo-sciences to manned lunar exploration. However, more emphasis is placed on the volcanic, or more correctly the defluidization, hypothesis to account for lunar surface features.

МАРКЕТИНГОВІ АСПЕКТИ ФУНКЦІОНУВАННЯ ЛІТЕРАТУРНИХ КОНКУРСІВ ТА ПРЕМІЙ

2020 ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
O. Bondar
Keyword(s):  
Publishing House ◽  
Target Audience ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Literary Field ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Functional Aspects ◽  
The Media ◽  
Literary Prizes ◽  
The Impact

<p><em>In this study, I have collected and summarized the functional aspects of a literary prize, contest, and rating, which indicate their affiliation with the marketing complex of the publishing house for the first time. For this purpose, I have analyzed and summarized the common concepts of the functioning of literary prizes and contests as advertising tools for publishing activity. Because the previous studies are only focused on the fact of the impact of the prize on the promotion of editions but do not explain it, these aspects have been considered and introduced by me from the book production’s point of view. I investigated that the prizes and the contests in the literary field are effective marketing tools, which meet many publisher’s needs at the same time and can be considered a non-profit form of capital. I have reviewed the works of other authors, who accept that the economic success of the book is rising if the author is a winner of the literary prize or contest. I have found out that the book prize activates the demand for the book, and the literary contest is a tool to track the reader’s reaction to a future publication. In this way, literary prizes and contests can be considered as a way of conducting a marketing dialogue with the target audience. I have focused on the information support of literary national and international prizes and contests by the media, which attracts attention to the book and forms the reader’s interest. The literary prizes and contests are also considered as a way of exploring trends and their changes, familiarization the popular genres among the target audience and fixation the current choice of modern readers. Literary prizes and contests motivate the authors to improve their literary excellence, are the source of new authors and works, and assist in increasing sales of books. However, further research is recommended.</em></p><strong><em>Key words:</em></strong><em> book prize, book rating, literary contest, literary prize, functions of the literary prizes.</em>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document