Green Lean Six Sigma Research Articles

A comparative analysis of green-lean-six sigma enablers and environmental outcomes: a natural resource-based view

PurposeDespite differing strategies towards environmental sustainability in developed and developing nations, the manufacturing sector in these regional domains faces substantial environmental issues. The purpose of this study is to examine the green-lean-six sigma (GLSS) enablers and outcomes for enhancing environmental sustainability of manufacturing firms in both, a developed and developing country context by using an environment-centric natural resource-based view (NRBV).Design/methodology/approachFirst, a framework of GLSS enablers and outcomes aligned with the NRBV strategic capabilities is proposed through a systematic literature review. Second, this framework is used to empirically investigate the GLSS enablers and outcomes of manufacturing firms through in-depth interviews with lean six sigma and environmental consultants from New Zealand (NZ) and Pakistan (PK) (developed and developing nations).FindingsAnalysis from both regional domains highlights the use of GLSS enablers and outcomes under different NRBV capabilities of pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development. A comparison reveals that NZ firms practice GLSS to comply with environmental regulatory requirements, avoid penalties and maintain their clean-green image. Conversely, Pakistani firms execute GLSS to reduce energy use, satisfy international customers and create a green image.Practical implicationsThis paper provides new insights on GLSS for environmental sustainability which can assist industrial experts and academia for future strategies and research.Originality/valueThis is one of the early comparative studies that has used the NRBV to investigate GLSS enablers and outcomes in manufacturing firms for enhancing environmental performance comparing developed and developing nations

Integral measures and framework for green lean six sigma implementation in manufacturing environment

ABSTRACT Modern organisations are in quest of initiatives that will facilitate them to be sustainable as well as provide a competitive advantage to remain a continuous stakeholder in the global market. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is an inclusive approach that not only improves environmental sustainability but also leads to improvement in the financial stability of the organisations. To implement the GLSS strategy, it is essential to integrate Green, Lean, and Six Sigma initiatives under the umbrella of GLSS. In this study, GLSS integration has been proposed based on intangible features like enablers, toolsets, etc. Management dedication, participation, and team effort have been recognised as the most remarkable enablers to implement GLSS in the manufacturing sector. Moreover, this study also proposes a five facet GLSS framework for the manufacturing sector to enhance organisational sustainability. The current work will facilitate managers and practitioners to execute a sustainable GLSS programme in manufacturing firms for increased operational excellence as well as environmental sustainability.

A Big Data Analytics-driven Lean Six Sigma framework for enhanced green performance: a case study of chemical company

The advent of new technologies alongside the generation of the vast amount of data in the manufacturing processes makes Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) approaches very challenging. This paper presents a novel framework termed ‘BDA-GLSS’ that guides companies to effectively integrate Big Data Analytics (BDA) in GLSS to improve their environmental performance. The BDA-GLSS framework is validated using an industrial case study of a leading chemical company. The results suggest measurable benefits of the proposed framework in enhancing technological readiness, problem identification, and analysis with predictive capability. The BDA-GLSS guides the implementation of BDA techniques within the GLSS framework offering real-time quality control, event-based inspection, and predictive maintenance. The BDA-GLSS enhances the environmental capability, process performance and provides a new perspective for researchers and practitioners to support GLSS projects in achieving higher green performance.

Optimization of green lean six sigma for sustainable manufacturing: NOx concentration design to reduce gas emissions of the chemical industry

NOx is the main pollutant of air pollution produced by the activities of industrial companies. Chemical industry companies strive to control the amount of NOX emission gases in order that ensures that the company’s operations remain focused on the environment as a form of a sustainable business strategy. The integration of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is an effective hybrid method to optimize and improve manufacturing process activities to be able to reduce adverse impacts on the environment. The GLSS method combines a statistical approach to optimize process parameters and improve the quality of exhaust gas emissions from the boiler. Thus, the optimal setting for the combustion control system is obtained in the operation and activity of the ammonia and urea industry.

Selection and performance estimation of Green Lean Six Sigma Projects: a hybrid approach of technology readiness level, data envelopment analysis, and ANFIS.

Nowadays budget and schedule constraints have forced organizations to select six sigma projects based on pre-defined success criteria. Also, progressive approaches based on green and lean paradigm are vital for companies to enhance their social and environmental performance. Then, Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) projects play the main role in improving the performance of an organization while augmenting its sustainability. Accordingly in this paper, past studies were reviewed, and GLS projects' indicators and performance evaluation criteria were identified. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was employed for the appropriate selection of GLS projects. Next, the ranking and performance weight of each project were investigated, and also the projects were categorized based on the technology readiness level (TRL). Additionally, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method was applied for the successful prediction of selected GLS projects. Twenty-eight inputs and 9 outputs for the first project category (with TRL 9) and 28 inputs and 6 outputs for the second project category (with TRL 8) were entered into the model. The statistical assessment measures such as Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), root mean squared of error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and R2 were employed for capability appraisal of ANFIS model. Results of NSE and R2 indicators for both project categories were 1.00 that proved the efficiency of the ANFIS model for success prediction of GLS projects. Also, RMSE and MAE indicators for category 1 were 0.01 and 0.02 respectively. Similarly, these measures for category 2 were 0.02 and 0.02. The results advocate a proper approximation for observed values by the ANFIS model. Also, the results indicated that TRL as an important enabler of the GLS project has a meaningful role in the performance of GLS projects.

Grey relational analysis of Green Lean Six Sigma critical success factors for improved organisational performance

Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is an eco-friendly approach that reduces ecological damages through reduced rejection, wastes, and rework. But it is essential to investigate the success factors of GLS that work as the first line of preparedness for the successful implementation of this sustainable approach. The current research deals with the identification and investigation of GLS success factors. Twenty-three GLS success factors have been identified from the literature pertaining to manufacturing and formulated into eight logical grouped or critical success factors using principal component analysis. The prioritisation of GLS critical success factors has been done through grey relational analysis by considering a case of the manufacturing industry. It has been found that management and finance-related are the most significant critical success factors with grey relational grades 0.6952 and 0.6682, respectively. The present study will facilitate the management of the manufacturing industries to implement GLS through systematic understanding and investigation of associated success factors.

An inclusive review of Green Lean Six Sigma for sustainable development: readiness measures and challenges

The industrial organisations have become more rigorous towards the effect of their methods on different aspects of sustainability. The governmental policies and environmental pacts have forced the industries to adopt sustainable measures to cut their current level of emissions and wastes. To mitigate these challenges, there is immense need to develop, adopt, and implement inclusive approaches like Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) that provides a pathway for comprehensive growth to the industry through optimum utilisation of resources, reducing rejection, rework wastes, and emissions. The main aim of the present work is to review the GLS approach together with readiness measures, failure factors, integration, and implementation framework. The study explores grey areas of the GLS and provides a systematic way to integrate Green technology, Lean, and Six Sigma under the egis of GLS. Moreover, a systematic framework of GLS with the associated toolset has presented that will facilitate the industrial managers and practitioners to implement this eco-friendly approach.

An inclusive review of Green Lean Six Sigma for sustainable development: readiness measures and challenges

The industrial organisations have become more rigorous towards the effect of their methods on different aspects of sustainability. The governmental policies and environmental pacts have forced the industries to adopt sustainable measures to cut their current level of emissions and wastes. To mitigate these challenges, there is immense need to develop, adopt, and implement inclusive approaches like Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) that provides a pathway for comprehensive growth to the industry through optimum utilisation of resources, reducing rejection, rework wastes, and emissions. The main aim of the present work is to review the GLS approach together with readiness measures, failure factors, integration, and implementation framework. The study explores grey areas of the GLS and provides a systematic way to integrate Green technology, Lean, and Six Sigma under the egis of GLS. Moreover, a systematic framework of GLS with the associated toolset has presented that will facilitate the industrial managers and practitioners to implement this eco-friendly approach.

Investigating the Theoretical Constructs of a Green Lean Six Sigma Approach towards Environmental Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Directions

Green lean six sigma (GLSS) is an emerging approach towards environmental sustainability in conjunction with operational achievements. The success of this approach is premised on an understanding of the different components of a GLSS program; being the determinants for its outcomes. The aim of this paper is to investigate the various constructs of GLSS that play an essential role in achieving environmental sustainability. For this purpose, a systematic review of available literature has been conducted to evaluate the drivers, enablers (tools), and outcomes of a GLSS strategy as well as its critical success factors and barriers. Findings reveal that these constructs of GLSS as a holistic approach can facilitate an organization to better accomplish environmental objectives such as waste minimization, emission reduction, and resource conservation as compared to constructs of only one or any two of these strategies. Based on the analysis, an integrated GLSS framework is developed for environmental sustainability in addition to identifying vital research gaps and future directions.

Green Lean Six Sigma for sustainable development: Integration and framework

The sustainable oriented demand, globalized competition, and governmental policies on climate change have enforced the industries to adopt sustainable practices. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is an eco-friendly approach that mitigates carbon footprints and produces high specifications products. But to implement the GLS program, it is indispensable to integrate individual Green, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches in unique GLS methodology. Moreover, there exists no GLS framework that can be applied irrespective of the size, type, and culture of the organization. So, the present work deals with the integration and development of the GLS framework. The integration of the GLS was proposed based on theoretical elements, and the framework was developed based on DMAIC approach. It has found that enablers, toolset, and implementation methods supplement the integration of GLS. The proposed framework provides a path for GLS implementation through an appropriate selection of the project. Besides, it has identified that unique GLS indices and toolset are required to estimate various sustainability measures and execute selected GLS projects. The present study will facilitate the organizations to have readiness for the implementation of a sustainable GLS approach through a detailed understanding of integration and GLS framework.

Integration of Green Lean Six Sigma: a novel approach for sustainable development

The increased awareness about sustainability, health issues associated to the emission of greenhouse gases, and changed customer quality perception has forced the industries to rethink their operational methods. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is a sustainable development approach that reduces negative environmental effects and delivers products of near true value. Individual Green, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches have their associated drawbacks that can be overcome by one other. So, there is a need for an integrated approach that reduces wastes, rejection, and emission of harmful gases. The present study provides integration of Green, Lean, and Six Sigma based on theoretic found elements i.e., readiness measures, barriers, toolset, etc. This study will facilitate the practitioners and industrial organisation managers to implement a sustainable GLS approach in the business organisations for improved productivity and environmental sustainability.

Integration of Green Lean Six Sigma: a novel approach for sustainable development

The increased awareness about sustainability, health issues associated to the emission of greenhouse gases, and changed customer quality perception has forced the industries to rethink their operational methods. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is a sustainable development approach that reduces negative environmental effects and delivers products of near true value. Individual Green, Lean, and Six Sigma approaches have their associated drawbacks that can be overcome by one other. So, there is a need for an integrated approach that reduces wastes, rejection, and emission of harmful gases. The present study provides integration of Green, Lean, and Six Sigma based on theoretic found elements i.e., readiness measures, barriers, toolset, etc. This study will facilitate the practitioners and industrial organisation managers to implement a sustainable GLS approach in the business organisations for improved productivity and environmental sustainability.

Analysis and modeling the enablers of Green Lean Six Sigma implementation using Interpretive Structural Modeling

The changed customer perception and environmental regulations have enforced organizations to device the ways that remain sustainable and at the same time meet the expectations of customers. Green Lean Six Sigma (GLS) is one of the inclusive approaches that reduces the variations and wastes in the system and at the same time decreases the negative environmental impact. But, in order to implement a comprehensive GLS approach, it is indispensable to look at the enablers or foundations that consequently lead to the success of this program. The present work deals with GLS enablers identification and modeling using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to meticulously adjudicate interactions among the enablers. Besides, Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC) analysis has been used here to classify these enablers for better understanding. This work will facilitate the organizations to have a readiness for a strategic GLS implementation by detailed understanding of mutual relations among the enablers of GLS.

Development of a Green Lean Six Sigma model for public sectors

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the operational excellence of public sector services such as construction, telecommunication and health care. To achieve this endeavor, the study explores the structural attributes and obstacles in the public services and develops a Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) model for the public sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved two stages: first, structured literature reviews; second, a focus group study involving Black Belts and supply chain practitioners. Using the results from the literature reviews and focus group study, the researchers have developed a Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) model for the public sectors.FindingsBlack belts and supply chain practitioners have identified the success in deploying Lean Six Sigma with green supply chain management. This leads to eradicating the obstacles faced by the public sector, leading to process improvement.Practical implicationsThis study proposed an approach for developing a GLSS model for the public services, which can be applicable for other public service organizations.Originality/valueThe current paper presents a predictive model for process improvement in the public sector by integrating green supply chain management with Lean Six Sigma.

Identification and ranking of enablers of green lean Six Sigma implementation using AHP

Improved environmental measures, waste reduction, cost optimisation and increased quality of products/services have now become the main objectives of the organisations. In this study, an attempt towards fulfilling the above goals has been made by proposing the concept of 'green lean Six Sigma (GLS)'. The study emphasises the implementation of GLS concept by identifying and ranking of various enablers. Five enabler dimensions and 18 enablers of GLS concept implementation have been identified through combined association of existing literature and opinions of experts' from appropriate field. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach is applied for ranking of these enabler dimensions and enablers. In AHP, pair wise comparisons are all done considering the opinions of experts. Further, the obtained results are validated using sensitivity analysis.

Impacts of Lean Six Sigma over organizational sustainability: A survey study

The purpose of this paper was to verify how Lean Six Sigma (LSS) could influence the organizational sustainability through their projects, given that there are few scientific studies that seek to evaluate the relationship that current exist between this tree streams: Lean, Six Sigma and Sustainability. The metodologie used on this study has qualitative point of view, based on experts' perception and collected by survey. The authors structured a questionnaire with 13 impacts of LSS, which was subsequently applied over 106 international LSS experts, with Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt or Champions certification. The survey investigate the expert perception of LSS influence over the three pillars of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). There were identified in this study the correlation between LSS and organizational sustainability, principally due to impacts that significantly influence over Financial pillar of TBL. The authors also identified the 5 more influential impacts over organizational were identified and the importance of cost dimension for sustainability in organizations. This study assists in expansion of knowledge about the use of LSS by evaluating the influence of the metodologie over organizational sustainability and providing a deeper understanding of the relationship existing between them. Because of its feature, this study also raises the awareness among governments and companies regarding the weaknesses identified between TBL pillars. The survey application model through the LinkedIn platform presented in this study also shows itself as a possible source of inspiration for future studies. Even with the large volume of articles published about the Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) theme, it was not possible to identify papers that aim to verify the impacts of LSS methodology over the organization with a holistic and sustainable point of view. Within this scenario, the present study seeks to fill the verified gap.

Barriers in green lean six sigma product development process: an ISM approach

In today’s competitive globalised business environment, production cost cutting is a primary issue before operation managers. As a research area, green lean six sigma (GLS) is proposed to have strategic importance in product development towards cutting costs, contributing to optimisation, and achieving sustainability. This research requirement has been realised to draw benefits out of three recent and involved approaches (green, lean and six sigma). In this research, an attempt has been made to address barriers in GLS product development (GLSPD) from an extensive literature review and from experts’ opinions towards developing a hierarchical model structuring these barriers. Twenty-one barriers have been identified and sorted from the review of literature and were then validated through discussions with experts. Relationships (contextual in nature) among these barriers have been realised during a brainstorming session. An interpretive structural modelling (ISM) technique has been utilised for developing a hierarchical model of barriers in implementing the GLSPD process in the automobile sector of India. A nine-level structural model has been deduced after application of the ISM technique, which shows ‘Competition and Uncertainty’ as the topmost output of the model and ‘Lack of Total Top Management Commitment’ as the bottom-level input to other barriers of the model. Further, MICMAC analysis has been also done to classify these barriers for better understanding; seven barriers are identified as driver barriers, nine as dependent, five barriers as linkage and no barrier as autonomous. An analysis of interdependence and interactions among these barriers may help supply chain managers reach a better understanding of barriers. Thus, managers may be helped in prioritising and managing barriers in order to gain a competitive advantage from GLS concept implementation in product development.

Green Lean Six Sigma and Financial Performance in Malaysian Automotive Industry

Nowadays, the pressure of competition from multi-national companies had increased and among them is the automotive industry. It is the impact when the level of competition is intensifying as the manufactured vehicles shifts from being national to global. As a part of the competition, the important of understanding the implementation of green concepts is really useful for Malaysia to be a good competitor in Asian. Green concepts could provide assistance in making decisions at the early stage of the vehicle design and development process in order to avoid the costs and time consumed through later redesign. Thus, this study aims to build an effective model which indicates the relationship between Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) and Financial Performance (FP) in Malaysian automotive industry. The conceptual model using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) has been proposed. Based on the proposed conceptual model and reviewed, research hypotheses are being developed. This research concludes with suggest future research work.