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.

Process Capability and Six Sigma Methodology Including Fuzzy and Lean Approaches

Abstract: Process capability analysis (PCA) and Six Sigma methodology occupy important places in quality and process improvement initiatives As a fundamental technique in any production, quality and process improvement efforts, PCA is used to improve processes, products or services to achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction In order to measure process capability numerically, process capability indices (PCIs) have been developed Six Sigma is widely recognized as a systematic methodology that employs statistical and nonstatistical tools and techniques for continuous quality and process improvement and for managing operational excellence because it challenges to maximize an organization’s return on investment (ROI) through the elimination of nonconforming units or mistakes in the processes (Antony et al, 2005) The application of Six Sigma methodology provides reduction in variance and augmentation in the process capability, which is defined as the proportion of actual process spread to the allowable process spread that is measured by six process standard deviation units Similar to Six Sigma methodology, in a process capability study, the number of standard deviations between the process mean and the nearest specification limits is given in sigma units The sigma quality level of a process can be used to express its capability that means how well it performs with respect to specifications After Zadeh (1965) introduced the Fuzzy Logic (FL) to the scientific world, this new phenomenon rapidly became an essential systematic used in nearly every field of science Due to its capability of data processing using partial set membership functions, an enormous literature about FL is developed with full of its applications In addition, the ability of donating intermediate values between the expressions mathematically turns FL into a strong device for impersonating the ambiguous and uncertain linguistic knowledge (Ross, 2004) But although studies about FL are extremely wide, its application to quality control and especially to PCA is relatively narrow The aim of this chapter is to carry out a literature review of PCA, fuzzy PCA, PCIs, to make comparisons between PCIs, to introduce ppm and Taguchi Loss Function, to discuss the effects of estimation on PCIs as well as to provide general discussion about sample size determination for estimating PCIs Another objective of this chapter is to provide the investigation of the relationship between Process Capability and Six Sigma along with the examination of Six Sigma methodology, and a relatively new approach called Lean Six Sigma methodology, and to identify the key factors that influence the success of Six Sigma project implementation for improving overall management process

Lean Six Sigma and marketing: a missed opportunity

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the current use being made of the sustainability message within business improvement activity and project justification within individual businesses. Design/methodology/approach – This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation, market orientation and business improvement initiatives in general. Findings – The piece discusses the gains derived from the LSS projects and identifies gaps in potential benefits in particular the paper questions how well any potential marketing messages were exploited by the organisation. The findings critically evaluates the impact that marketing function involvement could have in helping to promote the wider productivity message and its contribution to the wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy for the organisation. The document also suggests how the company could leverage internally focused projects to adopt a companywide ma...

Impacts of Lean Six Sigma on improving a higher education system: a case study

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability and impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a contemporary quality excellence methodology, for improving education system in a reputed University in Iran.,The paper follows a case study approach illustrating how theory has been put into practice, explaining how to implement the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control framework in a field-setting in a higher education institution (HEI), and to highlight the subsequent challenges occurred and lessons learned during the implementation.,The key finding from the study is the confirmation of LSS applicability in education systems. The goals of the LSS team were to baseline student satisfaction levels and improve the overall rating by 10 percent; to decrease student advising wait times by 15 percent; and increase enrollment by 5 percent. The application of the LSS methodology has delivered promising results to improve the education system of the University by achieving the set goals. Further, the implementation of LSS has demonstrated student-facing benefits of improved quality on the education system.,LSS implementation in HEIs is relatively a new topic for research. Hence, this case study adds to the body of knowledge with directions to progress future research in this area.,The outputs of the case study have provided greater stimulus within the facilities for wider full-blown deployment of LSS as a strategic resource for problem solving. Additionally, this case study sets the foundation for many other future projects, and to trigger interest among the HEIs in their journeys for quality excellence.,Higher education sector being a socially responsible field of service, LSS offers continuous improvement benefits, highlighted as part of this paper.,The applicability of LSS in HEIs is relatively an upcoming research area with immense potential and value. This paper would serve as a valuable means for both researchers and practitioners working in HEIs, in terms of understanding the systematic application of the LSS methodology, and implications in a real-world situation.

Lean Six Sigma That Works: A Powerful Action Plan for Dramatically Improving Quality, Increasing Speed, and Reducing Waste

Abstract: If lean manufacturing moves your products through processes faster, and Six Sigma improves their quality, just imagine what combining these two powerful disciplines will do for you! Lean Six Sigma That Works provides the key to transforming your results in any manufacturing environment, giving you detailed, practical processes that let you leave the conference room, and get right to work. A strong and sensible combination of the “why” and the “how,” this book gives you a step-by-step improvement plan, plus a thorough understanding of: • cost, cash flow, materials velocity, lead time, balance, waste, and non-value-added processes • value stream mapping and the DMAIC process for solving problems and improving quality profitability • how every form of waste impacts customer satisfaction and the bottom line • and much more Whether you're a seasoned professional, or implementing your first lean sigma project, this invaluable guide offers you a clear path to higher quality, customer loyalty, and increased efficiency.