Itziar Ricondo

Bio: Itziar Ricondo is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Environmental Sustainability Index & Competence (human resources). The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 7 publications receiving 88 citations.

Six Sigma and its link to TQM, BPR, lean and the learning organisation

Abstract: Some organisations adopt improvement programmes as a panacea for all business problems, not taking into account that some initiatives fit better under certain conditions. This article compares Six Sigma, TQM, Reengineering, Lean and the Learning Organisation business programmes, attending to their origins, principles, methodologies and tools and techniques. Finally, a framework is proposed to locate the different strategies depending on their problem-solving capabilities, and comments made where there are synergies among strategies.

An assessment method and design support system for designing sustainable machine tools

Abstract: Sustainable manufacturing is one of the key challenges of producers all around the world. Despite the frequent use of the term sustainability, it is not clear in an operational way what sustainability means applied to different industries and products. This paper addresses the machine tool industry and proposes specific tools and methods to enable sustainable design of future machine tools, as an enabler for sustainable manufacturing. The literature review is divided into two main parts. Initially, the sustainability concept is discussed, from a broad level to a more product-focused one, showing the main indicators to measure product sustainability. However, the assessment and evaluation of the three dimensions involved in sustainability is a multi-criteria problem. Accordingly, necessary issues and concepts on the multi-criteria analysis theory to the measurement and evaluation will be reviewed. The main contributions of this paper are a machine tool sustainability index (MTSI) for assessing the sustaina...

NPD Risk Management: Proposed implementation to increase new product success

Abstract: Innovation is one of the cornerstones of European manufacturing industry. For small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises NPD projects are very often a “win or lose” game. Due to the limited availability of resources, the risk of failure in a single project can endanger the survival of the whole company. SMEs have to deal with the following problems when undertaking the development of new products: (1) lack of information, (2) lack of a risk management methodology, and (3) lack of decision aiding tools. This paper recognises the need of acquiring suitable information and focuses on Risk Management as a critical process to increase the success of New Product Development. A staged implementation plan composed of 3 steps is proposed: Business Intelligence System, Risk Management System and Optimisation of Decision Making Process. Currently implemented systems and steps are commented, as well as future action points, in order to increase the competitiveness of companies.

Business Intelligence System For Strategic Decision Making In Machine Tool SMES

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to highlight the importance of Business Intelligence (BI) for optimal strategic decision making and, on the long term, for business innovation and competitive advantage. The Business Intelligence System aims at identifying and gathering strategic information from outside and inside the company and communicating it to key stakeholders. It will be oriented to Machine-Tool industry, but it could be applied to other industries characterised by tight competitiveness. The implementation of a BI system will be explained through the development of two competences: component competence and architectural competence.

Six Sigma quality: a structured review and implications for future research

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to clarify emerging aspects and trends of Six Sigma literature over 17 years, from 1992 to 2008Design/methodology/approach – The literature on Six Sigma from 417 referred journal articles in business and management disciplines, information systems and computer science, engineering, healthcare, etc were systematically analyzed based on a scheme that consists of four distinct dimensions: publication year and journal, major themes, research type, and application sector (ie manufacturing vs service)Findings – A number of key findings emerged: Six Sigma research is growing rapidly, covering various disciplines and domains with a great focus on Six Sigma tools and techniques; empirical research is dominant with more emphasis on case study approach; and the growing gap between manufacturing‐ and service‐focused articles implies the return of Six Sigma to manufacturing as its initial base Although a large volume of literature is available on Six Sigma, the topic is still under deve

Sustainable product design and development: A review of tools, applications and research prospects

Abstract: Due to increasing pressure for achieving sustainability objectives, the concept of sustainable product design and development is gaining more attention in recent research. In the past, a plethora of eco-design tools that address only the environmental aspect have been developed. Hence, previous review articles focused mainly on eco-design tools, such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and others. Unlike previous studies, the main contribution of this article was to review and analyze the recent and emerging product design tools (published from 2007 to 2017) which considered other dimensions of sustainability along with the environment. Based on the criteria of sustainability dimensions, this paper proposed a generic and broader classification scheme to enhance the understanding of these recent tools. Those which included two aspects of sustainability were categorized as partial sustainable product design (P-SPD) tools, and those which covered three aspects of sustainability were classified as sustainable product design (SPD) tools. The analysis revealed that SPD tools were less mature and standard as compared to P-SPD tools. The majority of both P-SPD and SPD tools were based on a life cycle perspective. However, P-SPD tools were found to be more useful at early design stages. In addition, this paper presented the case studies of the tools to decipher their practical utility. It also discussed the hurdles and problems associated with the methodological development and practical utility of the tools. Founded on these difficulties, future research directions were presented. In essence, a coordinated and responsible effort among practitioners, governments, societies and researchers is needed to ensure the successful implementation of the tools.

Multi‐faceted views on a Lean Six Sigma application

Abstract: Purpose – Lean and Six Sigma observers, researchers and managers are awaiting the next step, which many feel could take the form of a combination of the two concepts, known as Lean Six Sigma. The purpose of this paper is to explore an application of Lean Six Sigma in practical improvement work, as a way of identifying factors of importance for improving future Lean Six Sigma applications. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical study was conducted through interviews, meetings, document analysis and observations over a period of four months. Findings – The findings of this study suggest it is unfeasible to apply one standardised approach to improvements in one company. Continuous smaller improvements and larger improvement projects demand different formulas. It is appropriate to use Lean and Six Sigma in parallel but this should be done through clever cross-fertilisation, such as taking variations in project complexity into consideration. Research limitations/implications – This paper shows one way of working with an improvement initiative in one particular company. It does not propose that this is the only way to combine Lean and Six Sigma nor does it suggest universal applicability. Further research on other possible combinations would be valuable. Practical implications – This paper provides an outline of how to structure a combination of Lean and Six Sigma. This could provide valuable insights to managers who wish to structure their improvement processes depending on the type of problem at hand. Originality/value – This paper expands the theoretical foundation for combining Lean and Six Sigma by studying and analysing a practical application of the concept. As a result, it provides new factors of importance for successful Lean Six Sigma applications, such as having a clear structure that guides the company in terms of what components of Lean Six Sigma to apply and what competences to involve in various projects, depending on the scope and complexity.