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.

The usability of the Process Mining analysis method to improve processes of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence: Graduation thesis at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence

Abstract: In recent years, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) modelled, standardized, and digitally secured many of its organization-broad business processes. However, MoD experiences great difficulty in gaining insights in these processes and steering them productively. The novel business process analyses method Process Mining appeared to be a promising instrument. However, MoD lacks experience with process mining as a way to analyse and subsequently improve processes. In addition on how to apply process mining, MoD wants to learn the requirements for starting a process mining project. The thesis starts with a literature study on eight business process improvement methodologies (BPIs), viz. Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Lean MRO, Total Productive Maintenance, Business Process Reengineering, and Business Process Improvement. These BPIs are compared with each other in an overview based on nine characteristics. Then, a ninth BPI is studied: process mining. The literature on this topic is scattered, but a study is conducted on several element. After that, pros and cons are discussed and process mining is placed in the overview of BPIs. A combination of desk and field research leads to the improvement of the best practise methodology PM2. And this improved methodology, called PM3, is further within MoD. Next to that, a process mining decision framework is developed according to the waterfall model. This framework can score business process models on several characteristics. The resulting total score determines whether process mining can successfully be applied to improve the process. For MoD, process mining can be a valuable instrument for improving processes. It can convert a gut feeling into clear numbers and models, which can form the start of an improvement project. It is thus recommended to make process mining available to the organisation. The thesis gives a good insight in the possibilities of process mining, but it also comes with several opportunities for future research. For example, PM3 has demonstrated itself in the field, but this have not yet led to measurable improvements (only important insights in the processes). Future research is required to verify its true potential. Second, the decision framework is tested by assessing fourteen of MoD’s processes and evaluated by discussion it with ten system experts. Yet again, empirical research is probably the only way to truly verify it, but this was not possible during the thesis. Third, both PM3 and the decision framework focus on MRO within MoD. It is unlikely that a change of domain or organisation makes a significant difference, but the possibility should be taken into account and further investigated. And finally, a significant limitation of the framework is that it only scores on process mining. So, if it presents a very low score, it does not suggest an alternative BPI. This fell outside the scope of the thesis, but is nevertheless an interesting research opportunity.

Change management and continuous improvement for Smarter Care: A Systems Viewpoint

Abstract: Patients suffer disparities, higher mortality, and unmet medical need due to communication issues with doctors in cancer care. Medical errors are also driving patients to lose trust in their healthcare providers. We need to better analyze and improve patient experience in cancer care. This paper emphasizes on the fact that all components of a complex system are interrelated and interdependent and the behavior of the system depends on these interdependencies. A healthcare system as decorticated in this article is complex and new initiatives like technology adoption are not easily embedded and accepted by all stakeholders. We use the Lean Six Sigma approach (L6S) to show how continuous improvement system thinking methods can help achieve better quality, value chain and performance in healthcare in addition to the organizations’ KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) used.

Analysis of the Impact of Six Sigma and Risk Management on Iraq's Energy Sector Metrology

Abstract: Purpose: aims the study to show How to be can to enhance measurement management by incorporating a risk-based approach and the six sigma method into a more thorough assessment of metrological performance. Theoretical framework: Recent literature has recorded good results in analyzing the impact of Six Sigma and risk management on the energy sector (Barrera García et al., 2022) (D'Emilia et al. 2015). However, this research came to validate and emphasize the most comprehensive assessment of metrological performance by integrating Risk management based approach and Six Sigma analysis. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted in Iraqi petroleum refining companies. System quality is measured in terms of sigmas, and two indices—one for actualizing metrological risk and another for its management—are assessed. Findings: We find the all dimensions of the six sigma projects implemented facilitate the correction and adaptation of the main tasks aimed at improving the measurement management system. Research, Practical & Social implications: a risk-based approach and the six sigma method are can enhance the measurement management system and collect feedback on its performance. Originality/value: The merge a risk-based approach and the six sigma method its usefulness as a methodological tool for enhancing measurement management has been demonstrated.

Sigma metrics assessment as quality improvement methodology in a clinical chemistry laboratory

Abstract: Background The concept of sigma metrics & lean six sigma is well known in the field of healthcare. However not many labs utilize the six sigma metrics for maintenance of high quality laboratory performance. A minimum value of 3 σ is desired in any clinical laboratory & values of σ≥ 6 are regarded as gold standard for obtaining high quality lab reports. Aims &Objectives To calculate bias, cv & sigma metrics from the IQC & EQC data in order to ascertain extent of quality management in our lab. Materials &Methods An extensive study of sample processing and quality practices was carried out in the Central Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry; PGIMER D from Feb 2020 to July 2020. The IQC used(both level I & level II) were from Biorad Laboratories India (lyphochek assayed chemistry control) & the EQC used was from Randox Laboratories, UK. All the controls were run on Beckman Coulter clinical chemistry analyser AU 680. Total 14 clinical parameters were analysed & subsequently; Mean, S.D., CV, bias & σ were calculated through their respective formulas. Results Sigma level was more than 6 for both levels of IQC was observed for Amylase. It indicates world class performance. Total bilirubin, AST, Triglyceride & HDL depicted σ values between 3.1 – 6 for both L1 & L2. Iron showed σ value of 5.5 in L1 whereas it was 3.78 in L2. Conclusion Sigma metrics in clinical laboratory is an essential technique to ascertain poor assay performance, along with assessment of the efficiency of existing laboratory process.

Leveraging the principles of Lean Six Sigma in creating value for the User Community

Abstract: This is a case study on how Singapore Management University (SMU) Libraries used an evidence based approach to decision making, based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma. Academic Libraries and the services offered by them have been evolving over the years along with the changing landscape of higher education. By using a data-driven methodology, SMU Libraries, was able to provide a service that was relevant and tailored to the needs of its community. Background Provisioning of personal computers for use is one of the services provided by SMU Libraries to support the learning and research needs of the user community. A total of 48 computers are provided spread over 2 levels of Li Ka Shing Library, one of the two libraries under the umbrella of SMU Libraries. Of these, about 8 are dedicated for access to specialized financial databases with the remaining being used for general purposes. The computers are commonly used by students to access electronic databases or for initiating print jobs. In recent years, the library had seen a sharp increase in the number of laptops owned and operated by its patrons. In addition, the library had also undergone a master planning exercise to better utilize its space. As result of the evolving external environment, the Library decided to study if the current model of providing common PC’s was effective in supporting the learning needs of the SMU community. Anecdotal and casual observation gave strength to the opinion that students did not require such PC’s anymore, and their needs would be better served by removing the PC’s and turning the whole area into a student study space. Introduction Previously, the next logical step would have been to re-design the space based on these observations and implied assumptions. However, in 2013, SMU Libraries also embarked on an initiative for creating a “Culture of Assessment” among its staff. Lakos & Phipps (2004) define this as “.....an organizational strategy requiring decision-making based on "facts, research, and analysis, and where services are planned and delivered in ways that maximize positive outcomes and impacts for customers and stakeholders”. As of today, over 95% of staff have been trained in Lean Six Sigma and had worked on a number of business improvement projects. As a result of this training, a small team tasked with the study, decided to test the assumption using scientific methods. In his book, The Laws of Subtraction, author Mathew E. May, talks about how ignorance tends to be classified as an absence of knowledge. However, in the authors’ view this offers a SMU Classification: Restricted very simplistic reasoning and tends to ignore the various types of ignorance that even rational people fall prey to. He elaborates on two. One type of ignorance is misconception – often mistaken or disguised as a well-formed opinion or theory. When this is applied to real world scenarios, these may even appear to hold true. However, when faced with the test of a scientific method, misconceptions are forced to yield to empirical fact. Another type of ignorance is the confirmation bias or prejudice that acts on the rational mind to deny reality in place of a reality that is somehow more personally favourable. In the case of SMU Libraries, though conventional wisdom dictated that the students’ needs would be best served by removing the PC’s since they had their own devices, our Lean Six Sigma training cautioned us to take a closer look, moving beyond just assumptions and bias. Enter “Genchi genbutsu”, a philosophy commonly used in Lean Six Sigma. This is a Japanese Term for “go look, go see”. The practise is simple. Observe first, design second. The goal is to observe people and their behaviour in the context of their entire lives. In this context, it meant observing student behaviour and their interactions with the space in the microcosm of a day in the life of an SMU student. Methodology The main principle behind the Lean Six Sigma approach was evidence based decision making. By using this approach, the Library was able to build a business case for future follow-up actions. The study was split into 3 tracks. Both quantitative and qualitative measurements were used and carried out over the course of an entire academic term starting from 2 Jan 2014 – 31 March, 2014.  The first was to obtain quantitative measurement on the usage of the PC’s. This was accomplished by observing and recording usage patterns of the PC’s over the course of the 3 months. The data was recorded for every week, with each day being split into periods of 2 hours starting from 10 AM to 6 PM. The findings were recorded into Excel.  The second was to obtain qualitative feedback through a few communication channels. The first channel was Facebook. Comments were invited on the Facebook page, regarding the placement of PC’s. The second methodology used was a survey. The survey was responded to by slightly over 100 participants, and the responses were tabulated and analyzed.  The third track was to analyze the common issues that were highlighted during the measurement phase. The team explored various technological solutions along with the University’s IT Department, to mitigate some of the major issues faced in the availability and the usage of the common PC’s. SMU Classification: Restricted