Sustainable Lean Six Sigma project selection in manufacturing environments using best-worst method

Abstract

Manufacturing organizations have struggled with selecting right projects for sustainable LSS (SLSS) programs for operational excellence. This study is to propose a method for effective assessment of optimal SLSS projects. The importance weight of project selection criteria and prioritization of available projects are calculated using the novel best-worst-method (BWM) approach. The proposed methodology was authenticated through a real case example. The outcome reveals that out of five SLSS projects, P1 is the optimal project. Project P1 is the most significant production line for deploying the SLSS in case organization. The optimality in project ranking is tested through sensitivity analysis, the outcome noticed minimum sensitivity that claimed robust findings. This study is to be unique as there was very little evidence of prioritizing SLSS projects by utilizing a large set of criteria and applying the BWM approach. Further, BWM is the most suitable and reliable approach for prioritizing the alternatives when a large number of criteria are involved and it provides consistent outcomes with fewer inputs. The applied methodology will help top management to select the right project and opportunities in complex situations. Decision-makers and LSS consultants can also adopt the same approach for effective assessment of optimal SLSS projects for sustainable development.