Analyzing critical success factors of Lean Six Sigma for implementation in Indian manufacturing MSMEs using best-worst method

PurposeThe contribution of women toward entrepreneurial activities has gained significant attention in recent years because of economic and social concerns, government support and initiatives and increased education and awareness. Women’s entrepreneurial activity has increased and women-owned businesses can today be found in every sector of the economy, irrespective of region. In India, government bodies such as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and several other organizations (private and NGOs) have adopted considerable measures to promote women entrepreneurship (WE). To improve WE, the critical factors of WE adoption need to be identified and evaluated. The purpose of this paper is to identify, prioritize and evaluate the critical success factors of WE adoption in Indian MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposes a methodology based on fuzzy analytical hierarchal process to prioritize the critical success factors of WE adoption. A numerical analysis of Indian MSMEs is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed method. This proposed method considered fuzzy framework, which can handle impreciseness and uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to test the robustness of the proposed model.FindingsPotential critical success factors are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts. This research finalize the critical success factors of WE adoption in Indian MSMEs under seven dimensions, so prioritization of identified critical success factors can be developed and insights relationship of factors would be explored. The results of the study found that individual, management and government dimensions take paramount importance while women aim to become entrepreneurs in Indian MSMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to identifying evaluation factors; other factors have not been identified and categorized. Evaluation is one by experts in this area so it is natural that views of decision-makers may be subjective and vary with regard to industry-type, priorities, resources, etc.Practical implicationsThis study will help industry to identify, evaluate and prioritize factors for successful implementation of women entrepreneurship. MSMEs could device these factors by applying the outcome of the study in their decisions with higher priority to implement women entrepreneurship culture.Originality/valuePotential factors are identified from relevant literature and validated by industry experts. Indian MSMEs could device these factors by applying the outcome of the study in their decisions with higher priority to adopt women entrepreneurship.

Micro- Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are very significant for a country’s economy due to their contribution to manufacturing, sales and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. The global market competition and standards have been compelling MSMEs to improve quality, reduce waste, improve environmental performance and optimize the cost of products by implementing sustainable practices. The combined approach of lean and sustainable practices can help MSMEs to minimize emissions from waste and manufacture low-cost products with energy-efficient technology. However, MSMEs face many challenges while implementing lean and sustainability tools. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to identify the barriers which create obstruction in the implementation of lean-led sustainable manufacturing practices in Indian MSMEs and prioritize them by calculating their weights. The study also proposes a framework for the integration of blockchain technology in the supply chain to overcome the barriers for the implementation of lean and sustainable manufacturing practices. Extensive literature reviews and experts’ opinions have been used to identify the critical barriers for the implementation of lean-led sustainable manufacturing practices in manufacturing firms. A total of forty barriers were selected and further categorized under seven main categories of barriers. The main category barriers and subcategory barriers are ranked based on the weight obtained through Best Worst Method (BWM). The ranking results are further analysed to assess the reliability and robustness using sensitivity analysis. The study reveals that economic and managerial barriers, knowledge and awareness barriers and organizational barriers are the most prominent category of barriers for lean and sustainable manufacturing. The study found that ‘Lack of awareness among customers towards sustainability’, ‘initial capital investment and low financial profit’, ‘lack of knowledge about potential benefits from sustainable products and practices’ and ‘resistance to change due to past failure’ are the most critical barriers for implementation of lean-led sustainable practices in Indian MSMEs. The study has analysed the features of blockchain technology and their effect on the performance of lean-led sustainable supply chain. The findings of the study will help managers and practitioners in Indian MSMEs from certain perspectives to develop an effective and efficient strategy to overcome these barriers and become sustainable. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners.

The manufacturing sector in India is characterized by a large number of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), which are particularly vulnerable when it comes to financing their investments. This study investigates the impact of credit constraints on the investment decisions of MSME and exporting firms within the Indian manufacturing sector. It analyses data from 1,412 manufacturing firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) from 1990 to 2022. To examine the role of credit constraints on investment, the study employs the Investment Cash Flow Sensitivity (ICFS) approach, utilizing a two-step system GMM method. The study finds that the ICFS of MSMEs is negative and statistically significant, while the ICFS of exporting firms is positive but not statistically significant. Additionally, the ICFS of MSME exporters is negative but not significant, whereas it is negative and significant for MSME non-exporters. Overall, the results suggest that Indian exporters, along with MSME exporters, can secure external financing for their investments. However, MSMEs and MSME non-exporters face significant credit constraints, which hinder their investment capabilities. While numerous studies on Indian firms suggest a positive ICFS due to credit constraints, this study reveals that ICFS is non-monotonic in relation to the degree of credit constraint among Indian MSMEs. This finding shed new light on the negative ICFS observed in Indian MSMEs. The findings have important policy implications. The government needs to enhance investment expenditure among MSMEs by providing better access to credit, which could, in turn, improve the export performance of the Indian manufacturing sector.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify and list critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies, developing frameworks and to ensure effective implementation experience of LSS.Design/methodology/approach– It systematically reviews literature on CSFs and Indian experience regarding LSS. It uses exploratory approach for data collection and documents various studies depicting both manufacturing and service experiences by using time tested statistical tools to prioritize CSFs, which critically influence LSS implementation.Findings– The study guides and facilitates researchers and practitioners in using the most appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies and in developing/modifying/reviewing application frameworks. It also guides implementation experience regarding LSS, which can be beneficiary for both developing and developed country contexts. Industries can accelerate implementation by understanding and using most important CSFs, which influence LSS framework.Research limitations/implications– The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for LSS implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.Originality/value– The value lies in documenting, and prioritizing CSFs influencing LSS in a meaningful manner so that researchers/companies take advantage of Indian experience in prioritizing CSFs for framework. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally utilized in deciding determinants of LSS framework.

PurposeThe aim of the article is to ascertain the challenges, lessons learned and managerial implications in the deployment of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) competitiveness to micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSME) in India and to establish doctrines to strengthen the initiatives of the government.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts the Action Research methodology to develop a case study, which is carried out in the printing industry in a Tier III city using the LSS DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) approach. It utilizes LSS tools to deploy the strategy and to unearth the challenges and success factors in improving the printing process of a specific batch of a product.FindingsThe root cause for the critical to quality (CTQ) characteristic, turn-around-time (TAT) is determined and the solutions are deployed through the scientifically proven data-based approach. As a result of this study, the TAT reduced from an average of 1541.2–1303.36 min, which in turn, improved the sigma level from 0.55 to 2.96, a noteworthy triumph for this MSME. The company realizes an annual savings of USD 12,000 per year due to the success of this project. Top Management Leadership, Data-Based Validation, Technical Know-how and Industrial Engineering Knowledge Base are identified as critical success factors (CSFs), while profitability and on-time delivery are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the MSME. Eventually, the lessons learned and implications indicate that LSS competitiveness can be treated as quality management standards (QMS) and quality tools and techniques (QTT) to ensure competitive advantage, sustainable green practices and growth.Research limitations/implicationsEven though the findings and recommendations of this research are based on a single case study, it is worth noting that the case study is executed in a Tier III city along with novice users of LSS tools and techniques. This indicates the applicability of LSS in MSME and thus, the modality adopted can be further refined to suit the socio-cultural aspects of India.Originality/valueThis article illustrates the deployment of LSS from the perspective of novice users, to assist MSME and policymakers to reinforce competitiveness through LSS. Moreover, the government can initiate a scheme in line with LSS competitiveness to complement the existing schemes based on the findings of the case study.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a breakthrough approach that reduces defects, waste, and process variation to improve productivity and quality. To attain the optimistic results, it is essential to gaze at critical success factors (CSFs) that subsequently lead to successful execution. The present study investigates the CSFs which facilitate the effective LSS execution in micro-small and medium enterprises. Out of 16 success factors, ten CSFs are finalised through the relative importance index method and prioritised by best worst method (BWM). The BWM is a novel multi-criteria decision-making approach that requires fewer pairwise comparison matrixes and provides excellent results. The outcomes reveal that the top three ranked CSFs are top management commitment and involvement, organisational infrastructure, and LSS awareness program and training with weights 0.3875, 0.1527, and 0.1137, respectively. The outcomes facilitate the managers of case organisation with prominent CSFs, which will help in planning and successful execution of LSS.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a breakthrough approach that reduces defects, waste, and process variation to improve productivity and quality. To attain the optimistic results, it is essential to gaze at critical success factors (CSFs) that subsequently lead to successful execution. The present study investigates the CSFs which facilitate the effective LSS execution in micro-small and medium enterprises. Out of 16 success factors, ten CSFs are finalised through the relative importance index method and prioritised by best worst method (BWM). The BWM is a novel multi-criteria decision-making approach that requires fewer pairwise comparison matrixes and provides excellent results. The outcomes reveal that the top three ranked CSFs are top management commitment and involvement, organisational infrastructure, and LSS awareness program and training with weights 0.3875, 0.1527, and 0.1137, respectively. The outcomes facilitate the managers of case organisation with prominent CSFs, which will help in planning and successful execution of LSS.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an inclusive approach based on the concept of waste and variation reduction to achieve quality and sustainability. The successful adoption of any approach depends upon the awareness and readiness measures of a particular one. This paper contributes toward Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt a comprehensive LSS approach in their existing system through the identification, analysis, and prioritization of LSS enablers and barriers. In the present study, 25 enablers and 21 barriers of LSS adoption are identified through literature review and are validated by using questionnaire-based survey. The screened enablers and barriers are further formulated into logical groups using factor analysis. These formulated groups are prioritized through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and compared the obtained results with the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL). The result reveals that among the main group of enablers, “management-based factor” is the top-ranked followed by “training- and education-based factor” and “technology-based factor” with AHP weights 0.4008, 0.2742, and 0.1465 respectively. On the other hand, among the main groups of barriers, “training and education based factor” is at first rank trailed by “management-based factor” with AHP weights 0.4780 and 0.2915 respectively. The outcomes of current research will facilitate the MSMEs to make a favorable environment toward the LSS approach for increasing productivity and profitability dynamics. An engineering manager can use this paper to enhance social sustainability through the incorporation of LSS approach in the communities where they work. Moreover, this study provides a guiding reference for practitioners and academicians to undertake similar nature of problems into other industrial sectors.

The micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have a sizeable role to play in the growth of any nation. In spite of its essence in the socioeconomic progress of the nation, Indian MSMEs have to encounter big challenges in their endeavor to be competitive. Low productivity is also a challenge for the management for Indian MSMEs to sustain competition in the world market. Productivity improvement of MSMEs depends on different factors. Responsiveness of a production system is one of the major factors among them. In this paper an attempt has been made to investigate the order fulfillment strategies of Indian MSMEs with an objective to determine whether responsiveness aspects of the firms practices would affect their productivity and hence performance in terms of profits and being competitive. This investigation is based on the study of production practices adopted by North Indian MSMEs in different manufacturing sectors, like automobile components, leather products and electrical goods. In the current competitive environment enterprises must become more responsive to acquire advantages or to avoid being driven out of the market.

The development of Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is greatly aided by strategic management, which offers a path to long-term success. This study highlighted understanding the challenges MSMEs face when implementing strategic management for sustained competitive advantage. It is observed that most Indian MSMEs do not adopt strategic management, and the reasons for this are not well understood. The study assesses strategic planning as a management tool to help MSMEs achieve a lasting competitive edge. It evaluates the importance of applying strategic management concepts and practices to MSMEs. It recommends employing strategic management to avoid severe crises and company failures frequently occurring in Indian MSMEs. The conclusion is that MSMEs are particularly in need of strategic management. Threats and crises can be avoided, and MSMEs can eventually gain a competitive edge if strategic management is used correctly at different phases of operation. For MSMEs to survive and grow, they must be empowered through better management and strategic implementation, particularly in the face of external obstacles like challenging market penetration and internal limitations like scarce resources.

The Indian manufacturing sector, specifically within Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), serves as a fundamental component of the country’s economic development, contributing significantly towards employment generation, exports, and GDP. With the rising influence of digitalization across industries, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as transformative technologies, offering huge potential to enhance efficiency, productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve product quality within the MSME sector. Notwithstanding these potential benefits, the adoption of AI/ML in Indian manufacturing MSMEs remains in its early stages, constrained by financial limitations, lack of skilled workforce, and insufficient infrastructure. This paper examines the current and potential role of AI/ML in Indian manufacturing MSMEs, focusing on the benefits these technologies offer, the limitations hindering their adoption, and the ongoing challenges that persist within the sector. By synthesizing existing literature, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis that could help policymakers, industry stakeholders, and MSME owners about the most effective strategies for adopting AI/ML technologies. The paper further explores how these enterprises can overcome obstacles to unlock AI/ML’s full potential for improving operational efficiency, competitiveness, and innovation. Keywords: AI/ML, MSMEs, manufacturing, India, challenges, benefits, technology adoption

Examining the critical success factors of cloud computing adoption in the MSMEs by using ISM model

Growth of every economy in the world depends on the performance of the industrial sector. Micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the growth of each economy. There is a huge unorganised sector of MSMEs in India, which comes from those industries that are not registered under the MSME platform. Data related to MSMEs are required to check the growth and analyse the performance of MSMEs and collect the data related to growth, while it is necessary that all the MSMEs must be registered on a common platform. Thus, the Indian government forces industries to register on the MSME portal to get the benefit of government schemes. The study on the growth and future prospectus of MSME units registered under Entrepreneurs Memorandum (EM-II) and Udyog Aadhar Memorandum (UAM) is hardly available. Therefore, this research exclusively emphasises on the growth and future prospects of registered units of MSMEs in India. Data involving registered units of MSMEs are analysed for the period from 2007–2008 to 2020–2021. Data are obtained from MSME online portal and annual reports of this sector. Future projection of registered units of MSMEs is figured out by applying projected technique.

Factors critical to a sustainable deployment of Lean Six Sigma in Australian business.

PurposeTo stabilise the financial flow and ensure the smooth operations of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), supply chain finance (SCF) is one of the efficient alternative solutions suggested by various researchers and practitioners. The application of blockchain technology (BT) could maximize the capability and performance of the SCF throughout the supply chain. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyse the factors of implementing BT-embedded SCF solutions for Indian MSMEs.Design/methodology/approachThe total interpretative structural modeling (TISM) methodology is applied to explore the hierarchical as well as non-hierarchical relationships among the factors of implementing BT-embedded SCF solutions in Indian MSMEs. Thereafter, the fuzzy-cross-impact matrix-multiplication (F-MICMAC) approach is opted to classify all the factors into four groups depending upon their driving and dependence powers in the overall TISM hierarchy.FindingsThe result of this study revealed that “real-time exchange of information” and “transparent platform” are the most influential factors and play important role in the application of blockchain in SCF in Indian MSMEs. The real-time exchange of information ensures the easy and quick access to data by any partner across the supply chain and, also the data and information remain secure.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study help the MSMEs and supply chain managers to implement the blockchain-embedded solutions to overcome the traditional SCF challenges and obstructions by setting up short-term as well as long-term policies and will open the door for future research work.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s/authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind, where the data is collected from field experts to identify the factors influencing the blockchain-embedded SCF adoption in Indian MSMEs’ perspectives, to tackle the flaws of SCF and strengthen the MSMEs.