Sigma Practices Research Articles

Green lean six sigma practices: a scale development and measurement model from an engineer’s perspective

PurposeSince the advent of Industry 4.0, there has been a growing research interest in developing the Green Lean Six Sigma concept in the direction of achieving sustainable development, primarily aligned with Goal 12 of the agenda. Given that the concept is still in its early stages of exploration and requires further development through empirical validation, opportunities exist for innovative research. Yet, difficulties arise in adopting this green initiative due to an inadequate understanding of its strategic practices. Thus, this study aims to establish strategic practices facilitating its adoption in the Industry 4.0 era and develop a validated multi-item scale to measure the practices.Design/methodology/approachA three-phase methodological approach is designed to perform the techniques of exploratory and confirmatory analyses in the manufacturing context. To be a sound study, engineers have been involved since they play a pivotal role in the realm of manufacturing; however, the existing research on engineers' viewpoints on this subject is limited, emphasizing the need for further investigation.FindingsUpon validation of the ultimate fallouts, the analyses demonstrated a confirmatory model with eighteen scales determining five practices: strategic integrity, human resource management, technologies and tools, eco-production, and eco-networks. The findings further revealed robust correlations among these core practices within the model.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study entails depicting and discussing a measurement model for future research since there is currently no empirically validated model available to measure this multidimensional green initiative.

Exploring the Effect of Six Sigma Practices on Quality Improvement of Higher Education: An Exploratory Study

Quality assurance at the higher education level is the most important impacting factor on society and the economy. Six Sigma are key initiative for improving the quality of education in higher education institutions. The objectives of the present study were to explore the application of Six Sigma practices at the university level and determine the relationship between Six Sigma practices and quality assurance at the university level. In the present study, a quantitative research approach was applied to carry out the study. Three sampling regions, Upper, Central, and Southern Punjab of Punjab province were selected to carry out the study. Two public sector universities from each geographic region were selected. In the next stage, four disciplines of above mention universities were selected. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed to collect data. Data were analyzed by applying SPSS's latest version, structural equation modeling, and regression analysis to analyze the data. The study's findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted nature of QA in university teaching. The proposed model exhibits strong explanatory power, predictive relevance, and goodness of fit. This research underscores the importance of various factors in enhancing quality assurance and informing educational practices and policies.

Green Lean Six Sigma practice in the industrial and service sectors: from the systematic literature review to an integration diagram

Recently, increasing competition pressure and severe environmental situations have posed significant challenges to organizations in the industrial and service sectors. In this context, Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is an important approach for helping industrial and service organizations achieve sustainability. The main objective of this study was to clarify the specific content of GLSS practices in the industrial and service sectors, including frameworks, tools, necessities, barriers, effects, and other aspects, through a systematic literature review (SLR). A statistical analysis was conducted to examine the main characteristics of these GLSS elements and the gaps in their implementation between the two sectors. Based on this analysis, an integration diagram of GLSS key elements is proposed, and it showcases core ideas and processes for implementing GLSS in the industrial and service sectors. The findings demonstrate that GLSS practices bring comprehensive improvements to enterprises in multiple dimensions and exhibit differentiated characteristics in the two sectors. Most GLSS frameworks are primarily designed for the industrial sector, and service organizations have yet to systematically grasp the application of GLSS tools. The findings have reference value for practitioners and researchers in the industrial and service sectors regarding GLSS practices.

Validation of Lean–Green–Six Sigma practice model for improving performance and competitiveness in an Indian manufacturing industry

Validation of Lean–Green–Six Sigma practice model for improving performance and competitiveness in an Indian manufacturing industry

Integrating Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0: developing a design science research-based LSS4.0 framework for operational excellence

Acknowledging the potential benefits of integrating Industry 4.0 techniques into Lean Six Sigma-oriented process improvement initiatives, the current literature lacks a comprehensive guideline for the systematic incorporation of Industry 4.0 within Lean Six Sigma practices. To fill this gap, we have developed the LSS4.0 framework, employing a design science research approach. This framework serves as a structured integration model for Industry 4.0 and Lean Six Sigma, aimed at assisting organizations in their journey towards LSS4.0 implementation. Through iterative development and collaboration with experts in both Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0, the framework and its associated 14-step implementation process underwent evaluation using action research-based semi-structured interviews and demonstrations, featuring case studies from the automotive (F2) and mining (F3) industries. The outcomes demonstrated substantial operational enhancements, including reduced defects, improved on-time delivery, a 95% first-pass yield in F2, a 20% boost in energy efficiency, an increase in equipment effectiveness from 75 to 85% in mining operations, and a notable 30% decrease in unplanned downtime incidents, contributing to improved productivity and operational efficiency while reducing maintenance costs. This research significantly advances knowledge in Industry 4.0 and Lean Six Sigma, offering valuable insights and making a meaningful contribution to the broader field of quality management.

Selection of Industry 4.0 technologies for Lean Six Sigma integration using fuzzy DEMATEL approach

PurposeThis study aims to explore the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with lean six sigma practices in the manufacturing sector for enhanced process improvement.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach to identify critical Industry 4.0 technologies that can be harmonized with Lean Six Sigma methodologies for achieving improved processes in manufacturing.FindingsThe research reveals that key technologies such as modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, big data analytics, automation and industrial robots and smart sensors are paramount for achieving operational excellence when integrated with Lean Six Sigma.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the identification of pivotal Industry 4.0 technologies for Lean Six Sigma integration in manufacturing. Further studies can explore the implementation challenges and the quantifiable benefits of such integrations.Practical implicationsIntegrating Industry 4.0 technologies with Lean Six Sigma enhances manufacturing efficiency. This approach leverages AI for predictive analysis, uses smart sensors for energy efficiency and adaptable robots for flexible production. It is vital for competitive advantage, significantly improving decision-making, reducing costs and streamlining operations in the manufacturing sector.Social implicationsThe integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with Lean Six Sigma in manufacturing has significant social implications. It promotes job creation in high-tech sectors, necessitating advanced skill development and continuous learning among the workforce. This shift fosters an innovative, knowledge-based economy, potentially reducing the skills gap. Additionally, it enhances workplace safety through automation, reduces hazardous tasks for workers and contributes to environmental sustainability by optimizing resource use and reducing waste in manufacturing processes.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel perspective on synergizing advanced Industry 4.0 technologies with established Lean Six Sigma practices for enhanced process improvement in manufacturing. The findings can guide industries in prioritizing their technological adoptions for continuous improvement.

Quality Culture in Advertising Agencies and Creativity for Campaign Effectiveness: Analysis of Six Sigma Practices

Quality Culture in Advertising Agencies and Creativity for Campaign Effectiveness: Analysis of Six Sigma Practices

Lean Six Sigma 4.0 – a framework and review for Lean Six Sigma practices in the digital era

PurposeLean Six Sigma 4.0 has brought about a paradigm shift in customization, automation, value creation and digitalization to achieve excellence in human factors, operations and sustainable development. Despite its potential, LSS 4.0 is still in its nascent stage, with researchers striving to identify the key and relevant components of LSS in relation to Industry 4.0. The present study aims to address this knowledge gap through a literature review and subsequently provide a conceptual framework for LSS within the context of digital transformation.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the authors have conducted a thorough review of reputable articles published between 2011 and 2022, focusing on the integration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0). By using appropriate keywords, the authors identified around 85 relevant articles. The main objective of this integrative literature review was to analyze and extract valuable knowledge from the existing literature on LSS and I4.0. Based on the authors’ findings, a conceptual framework was developed.FindingsThe review revealed the motivators, building blocks, tools and challenges of LSS 4.0. The conceptual framework delves into the key aspects of LSS 4.0, focusing on the dimensions of people, process and technology, as well as their subdimensions. These subdimensions serve as the building blocks for developing LSS 4.0 capabilities. The proposed framework visually represents the conceptualization and the relationships among its components.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few conceptual approaches to LSS are developed that include the concepts, new roles and elements of I4.0. As a result, this research investigates the gap in current LSS models preceding I4.0 and develops a conceptual framework to provide a novel and comprehensive summary of the new concepts and components driving nascent and current LSS practices in the digital era.Practical implicationsThis study offers practical guidance for implementing LSS in the context of I4.0, emphasizing digital transformation. The findings highlight motivators, building blocks, tools, challenges and spread of LSS 4.0 practices, and present a conceptual framework of LSS 4.0. These insights can help organizations enhance their LSS capabilities and achieve excellence in human factors, operations and sustainable development.Originality/valueThis study aims to make a significant contribution to the model-building efforts of researchers focusing on LSS 4.0. By offering practical guidance, the points discussed in this study help enhance the implementation efforts of practitioners and organizations in the context of I4.0, with a specific focus on digital transformation. The guidance provided takes into account the perspectives of people, processes and technology, providing valuable insights for successful integration.

Administrative Processes Efficiency Measurement in Higher Education Institutions: A Scoping Review

Universities, like any organization, must attend to the needs of the environment to provide quality services. Among the various aspects related to educational quality, administrative efficiency management has gained interest in recent times. This is due to the need to optimize resources and streamline the daily operations of an educational institution. This scoping review examines how efficiency is being measured in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Taking as a reference the proposed methodology by Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA Scr (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guide, we performed a search of the literature in the Scopus database from 2017 to 2022. As a result, different ways to measure administrative process efficiency were found, such as formulated models, methods, and indicators that show quantitative benefits. A significant finding was Lean or Six Sigma practices to improve administrative efficiency, in addition to the consideration of the interest group opinion through the application of measurement instruments to measure the impact on the user satisfaction level.

Analyzing the impact of GLSS implementation over sustainability in Pakistani SMEs

PurposeGreen, lean and six sigma (GLSS) practices are widely used and well accepted techniques that have the capability to improve the economic, social and environmental performance of Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, implementation of these practices in an integrated approach has not yet been witnessed in Pakistani SMEs due to a variety of challenges. To overcome the implementation challenges, this study has analyzed the impact of GLSS implementation over the sustainability in Pakistani SMEs.Design/methodology/approachThis study consists of two phases. In phase 1, interviews were conducted to scrutinize the elements of GLSS implementation to simplify the model and in phase 2, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the data from the SMEs. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach is used to analyze the relationships among the latent variables and constructs.FindingsResults showed that, leadership for GLSS, understanding GLSS techniques and technology upgradation are considered the most important elements for GLSS implementation in Pakistani SMEs. The environmental and social perspectives have been given more weightage compared to economical perspective. This inferred that there is a need to focus more on environmental and social perspectives in SMEs as compared to economic perspectives to achieve sustainable growth. Moreover, the results of the hypothesis testing revealed that GLSS implementation has a significant positive impact over the sustainability in SMEs considering the Pakistani scenario (β = 0.529, STDEV = 0.078, t = 6.81, p = < 0.001).Originality/valueThis study is the first of its kind for Pakistani SMEs. The structural model developed in this study for Pakistani SMEs will help practitioners to understand the important elements of GLSS implementation and sustainability dimensions.

Implementation of lean manufacturing practices and six-sigma among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs: intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies

PurposeIn this paper, the implementation of lean manufacturing and six sigma practices among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable performance was investigated. Furthermore, intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs was also examined.Design/methodology/approachThe primary data were collected from 120 manufacturing SMEs across Malaysia using organization as the unit of analysis. The data were collected using the six-point Likert scale questionnaire.FindingsBased on research findings, about 86% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs implement 6s. Nevertheless, lean and 6s has an influence on sustainable performance among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. Only about 32.5% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs have the intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies. This study results imply that IR 4.0 technologies implementation among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs are still at infant stage though lean and 6s concept is known by the manufacturing SMEs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has implications for future researchers to explore application of IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about the application of IR 4.0 technologies suitable for manufacturing SMEs in order to remain sustainable for local and foreign competitors. From the perspective of system theory, there is an interconnection network across each department in a whole system. More so, sustainable performance can continuously change and improve the system in any organization.Practical implicationsFrom the view of SMEs policy makers, this study should be use to encourage SMEs to adopt technologically inclined practices. Accordingly, this research recommends government bodies to help support the implementation of sustainable practices due to their sizes and inadequate resources involved. Therefore, the role of government in providing suitable policies that could be beneficial to manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable practices cannot be overlooked. Through proper government support, Malaysian manufacturing SMEs will be able to survive both locally and internationally and also gain competitive advantage.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper includes integrated effect of lean manufacturing practices and six sigma implementation among manufacturing SMEs and prioritizing implementation of IR 4.0 technologies to be executed by manufacturing SMEs.

Green-lean-six sigma practices and supporting factors for transitioning towards circular economy: A natural resource and intellectual capital-based view

Conservation of natural resources has a critical role in promoting sustainable development. However, emerging evidence suggests that the overexploitation of natural resources and inadequate concern for environmental sustainability by manufacturing firms in recent times have posed a significant threat to ecosystem services and exacerbated the ongoing climate change crisis. In this regard, Green-lean-six sigma (GLSS) is recognized as an emerging strategy to effectively address pressing environmental issues and conserve natural resources in manufacturing operations. While prior studies have documented the operational and environmental benefits of this strategy, there is a paucity of empirical research examining the role of the GLSS approach in fostering a circular economy in the manufacturing industry. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the role of GLSS practices and factors supporting the circular economy in the flexible packaging (FP) industry. In particular, this process industry is selected as it faces several circular economy-related issues including natural resource depletion, lack of recycling, solid waste generation, air pollution, energy footprints, and marine pollution. A multiple-case study approach is used to obtain data through semi-structured interviews with senior corporate managers in New Zealand FP industry. Further, to corroborate the research findings, we have interviewed key informants including lean six sigma and environmental consultants. Building on the natural resource-based view (NRBV) and intellectual capital-based view (ICBV), our analysis reveals that GLSS practices related to waste elimination, pollution reduction, resource circulation, and environmental conservation enable FP manufacturing firms to transit towards the circular economy. The findings further demonstrate that supporting factors including strategic, technical, human resource, and external stakeholders contribute to GLSS adoption in promoting the circular economy concept. We argue that these findings can assist academia, practitioners, and policymakers in understanding the significance of GLSS practices and supporting factors for enabling circular economy in the process industry.

Impact of Six Sigma Practices on Teaching-Learning Effectiveness: A Case Study of the University of Okara

The study aimed to assess the impact of implementing Six Sigma practices on teaching effectiveness. This exploratory research, conducted at the University of Okara, centred on teachers from various departments. Qualitative data was gathered via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that faculty members were unintentionally addressing three phases (define, measure, and analyze) of the Six Sigma process due to a lack of awareness. Students were knowledgeable about their educational standards and rights, and their issues were addressed when communicated. However, the remaining two phases (improvement and control) of Six Sigma were neglected by university teachers, with quantity taking precedence over quality. Teachers acquainted with Six Sigma practices demonstrated greater teaching effectiveness. The study recommends raising awareness among teaching staff about Six Sigma practices and ensuring their implementation for better outcomes. Expanding the data collection scope for result triangulation is also suggested.

Semantic data mining‐based decision support for quality assessment in steel industry

AbstractThis study evaluates quality management practices in Industry 4.0 in a specific case of steel manufacturing. We formulate a novel proposal based on Semantic Data Mining techniques a step towards knowledge‐driven decision support based on the industrial Six Sigma approach. In our research we combine machine learning classifiers, and explanation generation algorithms with the Six Sigma practice to automate the evaluation of quality of steel products and determine origins of their defects. We describe our original method, and provide evaluation of the results with real–life data from our industrial partner.

Factors Assessment for Encumbering the Implementation of Sustainability Based Lean Six Sigma Practices in Food Supply Chain

Factors Assessment for Encumbering the Implementation of Sustainability Based Lean Six Sigma Practices in Food Supply Chain

Medical University of South Carolina case study: A structured approach to improving quality metrics for achieving maximum pay-for-performance incentive payments

To get healthcare costs under control and ‘bend the cost curve’, the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services is driving a shift from the fee-for-service (FFS) reimbursement model, which rewards quantity over quality, to value-based care payment models that encourage efficient delivery of high-quality, lower-cost care. Commercial payers are also shifting away from FFS and tying payment to quality metric scores and performance. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) participates in one of the state’s largest pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives. The payer uses a scorecard that assigns points, associated with incentive dollars, for meeting or exceeding benchmarks in publicly reported quality metrics. In late 2020, MUSC and ECG Management Consultants partnered to assess MUSC’s flagship hospital performance, analysing historical scorecard performance and improvement opportunities. MUSC’s biggest challenges included clinical practice variation, data accessibility and competing priorities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital was leaving money on the table for process and outcomes measures for harm avoidance and patient safety, unplanned readmissions and appropriate use of emergency department and outpatient cardiac imaging. To overcome quality improvement (QI) barriers, multidisciplinary workgroups were established for each of the focus areas. Workgroup participants used MUSC’s IMPROVE methodology, incorporating Lean, Six Sigma and continuous process improvement best practices to effect change. From this foundational, structured QI approach — focused on a select group of metrics — MUSC is projected to earn US$11.6m in incentives between fiscal years 2023 and 2025, while improving clinical outcomes and patient safety. MUSC will apply the critical success factors and lessons learned to other QI opportunities across the entire MUSC Health system as the organisation strives to reduce process and outcome variability. Hospitals and health systems that engage in efforts similar to those undertaken in the ECGMUSC collaboration can build a foundation of strong QI capabilities and realise improved incentive payment dollars under P4P arrangements.

Application of six sigma through deep learning in the production of fasteners

PurposeThe purpose of this study was conducted at an enterprise that produces fasteners and is one of the leading companies in the sector in terms of market share. Possible defects in the coating of bolts and nuts either lead to products being scrapped or all of the coating process being repeated from beginning to end. In both cases, the enterprise faces a waste of time and excessive costs. Through this project, the six sigma theory and its means were effectively used to improve the efficiency and quality management of the company. The selection of the six sigma project has also contributed to the creation of various documents to be used for project screening and evaluation of financial results.Design/methodology/approachSix sigma is an optimization strategy that is used to improve the profitability of businesses, avoid waste, scrap and losses, reduce costs and improve the effectiveness of all activities to meet or exceed customers’ needs and expectations. Six sigma’s process improvement model, known as Definition-Measurement-Analysis-Improvement-Control, contributes to the economic and technical achievements of businesses. The normal distribution of a process should be within ±3 sigma of the mean. This represents a scale of 99.7% certainty. However, improving the process through the utilization of the six sigma rule, which accepts normal variabilities of processes twice as strict, will result in an error rate of 3.4 per million instead of 2,700 per million for each product or service.FindingsUsing six sigma practices to reduce the costs associated with low quality and to increase economic added value became a cultural practice. With this, the continuation of six sigma practices throughout the Company was intended. The annual cost reduction achieved with the utilization of six sigma practices can be up to $21,780. When time savings are also considered, a loss reduction of about $30,000 each year can be achieved. The coating thickness efficiency increased from 85% to 95% after the improvements made through the six sigma project. There is a significant increase in the efficiency of coating thickness. In addition, the coating thickness efficiency is also close to the target value of 95%–97%.Originality/valueThe results of the study were optimized with the help of deep learning. The performance of the model created in deep learning was quite close to the actual performance. This result implicates the validity of the improvement work. The results may act as a guide for the use of deep learning in new projects.

Factors analysis of lean six sigma practices in the Vietnam wood industry

Six sigma is valuable to process control and ensure the stability of product quality. Lean practices or six sigma in isolation cannot remove all types of waste, control the process statistically, and remove process variability. The integrated development of the two approaches, which are known as Lean and six sigma (LSS), may bring out the advantages of both concepts. Although, many enterprises have succeeded with LSS around the world only less than 20% of enterprises achieve and maintain lean activities for the time being. The aim of this research paper is to present the key factors that constitute a successful implementation of LSS in the wood industry in Vietnam through analysis of LSS implementation. A combination of a comprehensive literature review and a site visit to deeply observe by participants observation for 3 LSS projects and interview the key persons involved in the project was employed in this study.

The moderating role of Lean Six Sigma practices on quality management practices and quality performance in medical device manufacturing industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices in explaining the relationship between quality management practices (QMPs) and quality performance.Design/methodology/approachPartial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically examine the moderating effect of LSS practices on QMPs and quality performance in Malaysian medical device manufacturing companies.FindingsFindings revealed that both QMPs and LSS practices have a significant and positive effect on quality performance. Furthermore, LSS practices served as a substitute for moderating the positive relationship between QMPs and quality performance in such a way that the relationship becomes weaker as LSS practices increase.Originality/valueLSS is acknowledged as the most well-known hybrid methodology; however, due to its relative newness, it has not been studied in great detail. Unlike previous studies, this paper argued that Lean and Six Sigma practices are distinct from its predecessor TQM practices; moreover, both Lean and Six Sigma practices do not need to substitute QM/TQM practices instead of complimenting the QMPs. In addition, this study adds to the growing body of QM literature by empirically examine the effect of LSS practices in moderating the relationship between QMPs and quality performance.

Six Sigma Practices Integrated with IR 4.0 for Sustainability in Malaysian Healthcare Industry

Provision of safe, reliable, and affordable care while improving performance and efficiency remains a challenge in the healthcare sector. This study, therefore, reviews the previous researches on the effect of six sigma and industrial revolution 4.0 technologies (IR 4.0) on sustainability as there is still a paucity of literature on the implementation of the practices in the healthcare sector. Notably, the growing challenges within service organizations have motivated healthcare organizations to upgrade their conventional delivery system to a smart sophisticated systems. Thus, this present study makes an attempt to model these practices as integrated with IR 4.0 technologies into achieving sustainability in the healthcare industry. In order to fill the void of this gap, this study intends to investigate the joint effects of six sigma and IR 4.0 technologies on sustainable performance of healthcare delivery services. The study confirms the future direction of the public health sector that is recently employing new technologies in its service systems. The data shall be collected from the top management employees, the health practitioners who are working and familiar with the services and operations of the organization and are familiar with the smart tools to expedite services for healthcare. This study extends the current literature on IR 4.0 technologies and six-sigma as enablers of economic, environmental and social sustainability. This study shall unfold the significant contribution of operations management practices and how sustainable performance can be enhanced through performance variation and strategic implementation of modern technologies in the healthcare sector.