Transformative Learning and Lean Six Sigma Programs

In the competitive world of recruiting, the better an applicant can apply what has already been learned to a new environment, the greater the career opportunity. This study captured the transformative learning experience of students, guided by their instructors and industry partners, related to learning and executing Lean Six Sigma principles in a variety of environments. Lean Six Sigma principles which seek to reduce inefficiencies and thus improve the customer experience have long since been associated with manufacturing. Expanding the application of Lean Six Sigma from blue-collar settings to include white-collar and green-collar work provides students additional problem-solving approaches to process challenges in all-collar environments. Additionally, the experience aided students in viewing customers from both internal and external lenses, linked customer loyalty to organization success, and demonstrated the value such skills were to both personal career growth. Suggestions for faculty and recommendations for future studies are included.

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Bridging theory and practice with Lean Six Sigma capstone design projects

Quality Assurance in Education ◽

10.1108/qae-07-2018-0079 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 41-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hilda Cecilia Martínez León

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Learning Experience ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Content Type ◽

Knowledge Based ◽

Knowledge Based Economy ◽

Pilot Implementation ◽

Capstone Design

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the challenges academics face today in developing a knowledge-based economy. In response to these challenges, the authors developed a collaborative approach to enhancing the learning experience for engineering management (or industrial engineering) capstone design courses. The core of this approach is the problem-based learning through the execution of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects implemented via university–industry partnerships. The ultimate goal of this approach is to facilitate the integration and application of theoretical knowledge while promoting the development of professional skills in undergraduate students as demanded by business organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe framework is firmly grounded in theory and methods from project management and quality management, and LSS literature and was tested in an engineering and management capstone design course at the author’s university. The case study presented here offers a detailed analysis of the design and implementation of the proposed framework. The authors also present the results of a survey conducted to assess the extent to which the proposed approach contributes to bridging the gap between theory and practice.FindingsResults from the pilot implementation and survey results revealed that students who took the enhanced LSS capstone course felt that their projects helped them gain a better understanding on how to apply the theory to practical situations while preparing them to approach and solve problems in real-world settings confidentially. The authors also found that the LSS green belt certification helped recent graduates to transition to the workforce more easily, gain more credibility among coworkers and supervisors and make contributions quicker than other new hires, get the job they wanted faster and overall advance in their careers.Originality/valueThe framework is a composition of best practices used in a variety of universities and industries. While the majority of the LSS university-based programs are typically offered at the graduate level and with limited (support for) project executions, the framework proposed here provides the infrastructure for solid company staff-student team collaborations on projects executed from inception to implementation.

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A LEAN SIX SIGMA FRAMEWORK TO ENHANCE THE COMPETITIVENESS FOR SMES, EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM

HUFLIT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020 ON ENSURING A HIGH-QUALITY HUMAN RESOURCE IN THE MODERN AGE ◽

10.15625/vap.2020.00117 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nguyễn Thị Xuân Lan ◽

Hoàng Đức Sinh

Keyword(s):

Empirical Evidence ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Lean Six Sigma

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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR HIGH FIRM PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF LEAN SIX SIGMA AT A MALAYSIA TRADING COMPANY

e-Academia Journal ◽

10.24191/e-aj.v9i1.9518 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hadijah Iberahim ◽

Izmahariz Azman ◽

Mohd Haniff Shahri ◽

Nur Fara Ellyanie Abdul Hamid

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Sharing ◽

Employee Engagement ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Management Support ◽

High Productivity ◽

Trading Company ◽

Goal Clarity

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a method that helps an organization to maximize profit and minimize cost. One of the essential factors for a successful LSS project is the availability of employees who are willing to engage. Employee engagement brings about a strong sense of belonging and high productivity. Consequently, engaged employees will work harder to achieve the mission of the organization. This paper discusses a case of LSS project with a low level of employee engagement. As a result, LSS was less likely helpful in sustaining company’s performance. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that contribute to employee engagement in LSS practices. Review of the relevant literature suggests four variables, which include goal clarity, management support and trust, knowledge sharing and transfer, and teamwork. The questionnaire survey applied census in collecting feedback from 80 respondents. Statistical analysis results indicate that goal clarity, management support, and trust are significant to employee engagement. However, knowledge sharing and transfer as well as teamwork are not substantial. It is recommended for the organization to give attention to all the four factors. This paper extended understandings on critical inputs to a successful implementation of LSS for sustainable company’s performance and growth. Keywords: Lean Six Sigma, Employee Engagement, Goal Clarity, Management Support and Trust, Teamwork, Knowledge Sharing.

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