Lean Six Sigma

About: Lean Six Sigma is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1919 publications have been published within this topic receiving 29142 citations.

Reducing Patient Waiting Time in Outpatient Department Using Lean Six Sigma Methodology

Abstract: This article addresses the issue of longer patient waiting time in the outpatient department (OPD) of a super specialty hospital attached to a manufacturing company in India. Due to longer waiting times at OPD, employees need to be away from the workplace for a longer duration. This problem was addressed through the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. The process, starting from registration of a patient to dispensing of medicine, was included in the project. The non-value added steps in the process were identified, and actions were initiated. A cause and effect diagram was prepared for high patient waiting time, and causes were validated with the help of data collected from the process. Statistical tools such as Kruskal–Wallis test, Box – Cox transformation, Control charts, normality test, etc., were used within the LSS methodology not only to identify the causes but also to sustain the improvements. As a result of this project, the average waiting time reduced from 57 min to 24.5 min and the standard deviation was reduced to 9.27 from 31.15 min. This will help the hospital to serve patients better and faster, which, in turn, will lead to a reduction in delay of treatment and a faster recovery of patients. The productivity loss due to absenteeism of employees from the workplace could be reduced. Generally, in an Indian health care scenario, most of the activities were dependent on individual doctors rather than processes. This project has helped the clinicians and the hospital management to identify the weak areas in the process for improvement. Because of the implemented solutions, understanding the history of past treatments and medications of the patients was easy for the doctors. Also, the practical validity of deploying LSS in a healthcare scenario was justified with this study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A morphological analysis of research literature on Lean Six Sigma for services

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for services, construct a morphological analysis (MA) framework and identify research gaps to point to future research possibilities and priorities.,The MA framework is based on literature review of 175 papers published from 2003 to 2015, across 67 journals recognised by Scopus or ABS Academic Journal Quality Guide 2015. A three-phased methodology is used by the authors, with Phase1 featuring a five-stage systematic review protocol to identify relevant journal papers for review; Phase2 presenting a framework for classifying the reviewed papers in terms of their fundamental, methodological, chronological and sector-wise orientations; and Phase3 constructing an MA framework on the classified papers and identifying the research gaps.,The MA framework constructed based on six dimensions, namely, organizational context of applications, desired outcomes, implementation systems, LSS tools and techniques, integration with other management philosophies and evaluation methods, involving 40 focused themes, has revealed 355 distinct research gaps as opportunities for future research.,This paper confirms the existence of substantial scope and points to specific topics for further research in the area of LSS for services. The findings demonstrate the gaps in academic research on the subject. In addition, the study also helps organisational leaders and practitioners to look at LSS from a holistic perspective in the services context.,The MA framework of the existing literature on LSS for services presents a unique, systematic effort to identify research opportunities. In addition, a five-stage systematic review protocol is proposed in this paper. This could be valuable to researchers and practitioners in enabling them to systematically review the literature on research subjects of interest to them.

Lean Six Sigma in a service context

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues related to the application of Lean Six Sigma (L6σ) in a service industry. By adopting a case‐study approach this paper analytically explores the critical success factors that affect L6σ implementation.Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a qualitative approach attempting to explore the nature of L6σ application in a service context. In particular, two case studies from the telecommunications industry have been selected. Secondary data were collected through an analysis of companies' documents, written procedures and quality assurance policies. Moreover, primary data were collected through a number of interviews with managers and quality experts.Findings – There are particular factors that influence the implementation of L6σ in organizations, that can be distinguished in facilitators like Top Management Involvement & Support, Quality‐driven Organizational Culture, Quality‐driven Training, Top Down & Bottom Up Project Selection, Customer...

Implementing lean sigma framework in an Indian automotive valves manufacturing organisation: a case study

Abstract: The manufacturing organisations have been witnessing a key transition to lean manufacturing paradigm so as to eliminate waste Concurrently, six sigma methodology has been widely used for reducing the defects In order to attain the combined benefits of these two approaches, the amalgamated lean sigma framework has originated Lean sigma framework proves drawbacks, such as lack of systematic and scientific management and feeble lean anchorage In order to overcome these deficiencies, this article contributes a refined lean sigma framework, and its effectiveness has been test implemented in an Indian automotive valves manufacturing organisation The implementation benefits are described in this article

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.