Henk de Koning

Bio: Henk de Koning is an academic researcher from University of Amsterdam. The author has contributed to research in topics: Six Sigma & Lean Six Sigma. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 18 publications receiving 919 citations. Previous affiliations of Henk de Koning include A.T. Kearney.

Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare

Abstract: Healthcare, as with any other service operation, requires systematic innovation efforts to remain competitive, cost efficient, and up-to-date. This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare. Controlling healthcare cost increases, improving quality, and providing better healthcare are some of the benefits of this approach.

A rational reconstruction of Six Sigma's Breakthrough Cookbook

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a consistent and crystallized exposition of Six‐Sigma's methodology for improvement projects, which could serve as a basis for subsequent scientific research of the method.Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows that reformulation of imprecise and unscientific formulations of knowledge is called rational reconstruction. Starting from accounts given in the Six‐Sigma literature, a descriptive reconstruction of the main elements of the Six‐Sigma method is made: its business context, strategy, tools and techniques, and concepts and classifications.Findings – The paper finds that, although, on the face of it, it may seem that accounts given in literature diverge, analysis shows that variations are superficial rather than essential. The analyses result in precisely formulated accounts of Six‐Sigma's method (DMAIC phases, steps, and tools), its business context, and its terminology. Essential anomalies are discussed. Six‐Sigma's claims of being data‐driven ...

Lean Six Sigma in financial services

Abstract: Lean Thinking and Six Sigma are typically considered as separate approaches to process innovation, with complementary strengths. When combined as Lean Six Sigma, this approach provides a unified framework for systematically developing innovations. Lean Six Sigma can also bring about significant results and breakthrough improvements in financial services, as demonstrated with four case studies from Dutch multinational insurance companies. These cases demonstrate the importance of incremental innovations and show that there is room for improvement in the financial services industry. This article takes the integration of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma a step further by providing an integrated framework and a comprehensive roadmap for improvement.

Lean Six Sigma in a hospital

Abstract: Hospitals today face major challenges. Patients demand quality of care to be improved continuously. Health insurance companies demand the lowest possible prices. Lean Six Sigma is a programme that can help healthcare providers to achieve these (seemingly) conflicting goals. Lean Six Sigma is an integration of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, both quality improvement programmes originating from industry. Lean and Six Sigma are highly complementary. Six Sigma provides an integrated improvement approach that increases quality by reducing variation, defects, and costs. Lean adds tools that increases process throughput by eliminating waste. In healthcare faster means rapid access and no waiting times, while reducing defects means less complication. Increasing speed and reducing defects both lead to lower costs. Hence, Lean Six Sigma is an excellent tool to tackle present-day healthcare challenges.

Generic Lean Six Sigma Project Definitions in Financial Services

Abstract: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is applied in financial service organizations to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. LSS prescribes that these improvements are designed and implemented by projects. The purpose of this article is to facilitate the process of defining LSS projects in finance, because the lack of a clear definition is an important cause of project failure. The authors' strategy is to provide seven standard project definitions (generic templates). Project leaders can use these templates as an example and as a guide in the definition phase. This will help them to formulate crystal clear project definitions that have explicitly stated goals and a solid business rationale. In this article, the authors will discuss these seven generic categories and show how this simple categorization and subsequent standardization of approaches can help LSS teams simplify the definition phase.

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Total quality control

Abstract: It is considered by many that for industry to prosper into the 1990s it must adopt the principles of total quality control. These principles offer the opportunity to tap previously unused brainpower within an organisation, and to achieve what our potential overseas customers expect of us, that is, a guaranteed 100 per cent good product. This paper presents one company's ideas and methods of implementation. Tqc is very much a people thing, and requires employees at all levels to become familiar with, and practise basic charting and problem solving techniques. Economics do not allow us to load up our organisations with service departments. Quality must be controlled by the people at the workface (a).

Trends and approaches in lean healthcare

Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on lean healthcare. It seeks to describe how this concept has being applied and to assess how trends and methods of approach in lean healthcare have evolved over the years.Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys the applications of lean healthcare in the current literature and classifies over 90 works according to a taxonomy suggested.Findings – Though there seems to exist an agreement about the potential of lean healthcare, it remains a challenge for academics and practitioners to evaluate lean healthcare under a more critical perspective.Practical implications – This work is helpful not only for healthcare practitioners and for researchers in private and public organisations, but also for journal editors and reviewers because it offers ready access to an up to date comprehensive review.Originality/value – Since lean started being applied in healthcare, no effort to provide a complete resource surveying the existing...