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.

Lean Six Sigma Implementation Framework Using Resource-Based Theory Approach: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract: Resource-based theory (RBT) is one of the most popular paradigms in operations management. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is the most widely used business improvement initiative for the last two decades. The previous LSS frameworks were concentrated on the LSS processes, and none of them proposed a link between organizational strategy, organizational resources and capabilities for gaining competitive advantage. The purpose of this chapter is to construct an RBT-based LSS framework. By reviewing the previous literature on RBT, LSS and organizational strategy, this chapter builds an implementation framework. This framework considers the firm resources, firm capability, competitive advantage, and LSS integration as the foundation of a firm's strategy. The research suggests that application of RBT can add richness to LSS implementation within an organization, which will bring practical implications for forming the resource-based strategy in the organizations leading to competitive advantage. This is the first chapter to suggest an integration framework of RBT with LSS for strategy implications.

A critical perspective on the changing patterns of Lean Six Sigma research

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to utilise the research patterns of the most prolific contributors to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies over a 15-year period to inform the discussion on whether the methodologies should be or are being integrated.,Structured searches using keywords were carried out using a single database (SCOPUS) to identify the most prolific contributors to research articles in the areas of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, and thereafter patterns were analysed in five-year periods between 2000 and 2015.,This research demonstrates clear changing and evolving patterns of research activity. Not only is there a clear emergence of research focussed on Lean Six Sigma rather than a single methodology, there are also indications that researchers publish work using different methodologies in response to different challenges.,The research is restricted to a single database and includes only the 21 most prolific contributors in each five-year period. The analysis is based on the focus of each peer-reviewed paper contributed to.,This research is intended to support and inform organisations which are developing or running business process improvement approaches by demonstrating the flexibility of Lean and Sigma, and evidencing that researchers work across different approaches and combine them when appropriate.,This paper provides a unique perspective on the debate for the integration of Lean and Six Sigma by looking at the patterns of work of researchers themselves to identify whether the focus of research has in fact moved on from exclusively lean or Six Sigma to more integrated approaches as has been argued in individual pieces of research.

The Value of Combining Best Practices

Abstract: Many companies engaged in lean Six Sigma activities find they run out of business improvement projects after a year or so of reaping the low-hanging fruit. What they are overlooking is the need to align business goals with the process of identifying and..