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 integration of quality management and continuous improvement methodologies with management systems

Abstract: For organisations to be successful, the use of well-structured management systems (MSs), quality management (QM) approach and methodologies for continuous improvement (CI) are all essential. Total quality management (TQM) has been a dominant management concept for CI utilising Deming's concepts of Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a widely-accepted methodology for CI considered among most modern in the 2000s. Recently, different MSs have gained more attention as they form critical infrastructure for improving and controlling different operating areas of any organisation. In many industries, CI methodologies and MSs are separately implemented, either formally or informally. The lack of their proper integration is one of the main reasons why lots of implementation efforts of CI fail, since it ensures alignment of activities and provides industry with competitive advantage. Thus, the need and benefits for formulating such integration of QM and CI with a comprehensive MS are discussed in this study.

Assessing the change process of Lean Six Sigma: a case analysis

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present an integrative conceptual framework of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) as a project and an organizational change process. To assess the process, the LSS success factors are identified. Their impact on both project outcomes and people is determined. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth review of success factors resulted in a set of indicators related both to the LSS factors and to the change process. A comparative case analysis of three multinational companies (MNCs) implementing LSS in Thailand is presented. The indicators were used to identify patterns in the cases related to effective implementation through content analysis. Findings – The case analysis showed that an effective combination of a strong LSS project design and a comprehensive change management process achieved positive impacts in business results, employee learning and job satisfaction. Practical implications – To be successful LSS cannot only focus on a good project design. Champions and key practitioners mu...

Can Lean Six Sigma be used to reduce medication errors in the health-care sector?

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to reduce medication errors, by using four case examples. The paper will also suggest appropriate Lean and Sigma tools to improve the medication process. Design/methodology/approach The authors critically analyze four case examples that used LSS projects, to demonstrate the approach, benefits, success factors and lessons learnt. Findings LSS is a powerful process improvement methodology that could be applied by health-care sectors to reduce medication errors, increase patient safety and reduce operational costs. Common Lean and Six Sigma tools play a significant role in improving and sustaining the medication process. Practical implications It is necessary for the project team to select the most appropriate LSS tools to address medication process problems. Adoption of a LSS roadmap could help health-care organizations in the successful implementation of LSS. Originality/value The paper is valuable for health-care professionals seeking to reduce errors in the medication process or other processes that need to be improved.

The Practitioner's Guide to Statistics and Lean Six Sigma for Process Improvements

Abstract: (2010). The Practitioner's Guide to Statistics and Lean Six Sigma for Process Improvements. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 42, No. 3, pp. 328-330.