Sigma Strategy Research Articles

Editorial

Historically, profitability and efficiency, and more recently, customer satisfaction, quality, and responsiveness, have been the dominant concern for organisations (Green Jr. et al., 2012; Mohanty et al. 1999). In this line, ‘Lean’ and ‘Six Sigma’ have been recognised as the two most prominent strategies employed by organisations to attain operational excellence and thus achieve the aforementioned objectives. However, in order to respond to environmental regulations and the growth of customer demands for products and services that are more environmentally sustainable, companies have now been forced to rethink their objectives and how they manage their operations and processes (Garza-Reyes, 2015a). For this reason, some organisations have taken a proactive role in developing cleaner supply chains, manufacturing processes and services as well as designing environmentally sustainable products. This has given birth to the emergence of the ‘green paradigm’ as a philosophy and operational approach to improve the environmental efficiency of organisations and reduce the negative ecological impact of their products and services while still achieving their financial objectives (Garza-Reyes, 2015b). The green paradigm can be considered an initiative (Digalwar et al., 2013) that utilises methods such as environmental operations management, also known as green operations (Nunes and Bennett, 2010), reverse logistics (Sarkis, 2003), green supply chains (Sarkis, 2012), green manufacturing (Kleindorfer et al., 2005), among others, to reduce the negative environmental effect of the consumption and production of products and services (Garza-Reyes, 2015b). As lean manufacturing aims at the elimination of waste in every area of production, design, supplier network and factory management, its compatibility with the green paradigm seems logical. However, despite their primary and similar objective of fiercely targeting the reduction of waste, the green and lean relationship and their combination as an integrated approach has only recently started to be explored (Dues et al., 2013). For this reason, only few theoretical frameworks and empirical examples are available to guide and explain industrialists how to integrate green methodologies into their current lean practices (Garza-Reyes, 2015a; Dues et al., 2013), or vice versa. On the other hand, quality is more than just achieving capable and reliable processes or manufacturing products free of defects (Madu and Kuei, 1995). In this context, a system’s overall performance should not only be measured on the basis of product quality but also on the basis of environmental sustainability (Kuei and Madu, 2003). Nevertheless, very few researches have correlated the quality and green paradigms. Total quality environmental management (TQEM), a sub-development of TQM, emphasises environmental controls, in industries that are associated with environmental waste (i.e. electronic component and semiconductors manufacturing) (Sarkis, 2003; Raisinghani et al., 2005). TQEM is a method that correlates quality with green aspects. However, in the case of six sigma, there is very limited evidence of research that has investigated the relationship between six sigma and green initiatives and performance (Garza-Reyes, 2015b). This relationship requires investigation because the quality and environmental sustainability dimensions are considered mutually dependant (Kuei and Madu, 2003). This special issue (SI) of the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma (IJLSS) therefore intends to explore the synergies between the lean/six sigma and green paradigms by presenting the latest research and developments in lean and six sigma, with particular interest in their combination with the green paradigm and their contribution and impact upon creating environmentally sustainable supply chains, processes, services and products. In particular, this SI focuses on theoretical, practical, novel and original contributions investigating the combination and/or impact of the lean/six sigma strategies on environmental initiatives and performance by addressing the following questions: • How can lean and/or six sigma be effectively integrated with green strategies and initiatives to support the development, management and improvement of environmentally sustainable supply chains, processes, services and products? • How have lean and/or six sigma been employed to contribute in achieving greener supply chains, processes, services and products, and what results have been obtained? • What green-oriented theoretical frameworks, decision-support concepts, methods and tools have been proposed based on lean and/or six sigma and how have they been integrated as part of the corporate, business or functional strategies of organisations? • How can organisations align, adapt and deploy lean/six sigma strategies to effectively respond to and support the current environmental challenges without jeopardising their business success? • How can lean/six sigma aid organisations to balance the need for operational excellence and profit gains with that of environmental compliance? • What empirical evidence exists of the application of lean/six sigma to improve the environmental performance of organisations?

Interest and limits of the six sigma methodology in medical laboratory.

The mandatory accreditation of clinical laboratories in France provides an incentive to develop real tools to measure performance management methods and to optimize the management of internal quality controls. Six sigma methodology is an approach commonly applied to software quality management and discussed in numerous publications. This paper discusses the primary factors that influence the sigma index (the choice of the total allowable error, the approach used to address bias) and compares the performance of different analyzers on the basis of the sigma index. Six sigma strategy can be applied to the policy management of internal quality control in a laboratory and demonstrates through a comparison of four analyzers that there is no single superior analyzer in clinical chemistry. Similar sigma results are obtained using approaches toward bias based on the EQAS or the IQC. The main difficulty in using the six sigma methodology lies in the absence of official guidelines for the definition of the total error acceptable. Despite this drawback, our comparison study suggests that difficulties with defined analytes do not vary with the analyzer used.

Quality of Growth Empirics: Comparative Gaps, Benchmarking and Policy Syndromes

This study uses a new dataset to provide comparative gaps, benchmarking with best performers and policy syndromes of growth quality in 93 developing countries with data for the period 1990-2011. Sigma and Beta estimation strategies are used to provide between and within cross-country dispersions. The empirical evidence is based on: time, regions, income levels, resource-wealth, state fragility and time-consistent growth quality (GQ) performance. First, for ‘within dispersions’ the following outcomes are established: (1) GQ dispersions within fundamental characteristics have been decreasing over time, (2) From a time-dynamic view, countries within Asia and the Pacific have experienced the highest reduction in GQ differences while nations in the Middle East and North Africa (Central and Eastern European) region have witnessed the highest (lowest) differences, (3) From an income perspective, upper-middle-income (Low-income) countries have the lowest (highest) differences in GQ. (4) Resource-rich and Non-fragile countries have higher differences relative to their Resource-poor and Fragile counterparts respectively. Second, for ‘between dispersions’ and policy syndromes, we found two time-consistent extremities. (1) In decreasing need of policy intervention, the following are apparent for the Policy syndrome extreme: Hopeful, Fragile, Sub-Saharan African, Low-income and Resource-rich countries. (2) In the same line of policy inference, the following are apparent for the Syndrome-free extreme: Central and Eastern European, Asia and the Pacific, Latin American, Best Performing and Upper-middle-income countries. Their predispositions are clarified and policy implications discussed.

…From the Editor

“If everyone is moving forward together,” said the American industrialist Henry Ford, “then success takes care of itself.” The unspoken challenge inherent in that statement is figuring out how: How does a business achieve such synchronized effort? For the managers of Abbott Diagnostics Longford, a healthcare manufacturing facility in Ireland, the answer lay in deploying lean Six Sigma strategies for continuous improvement and linking core competencies to the Shingo principles of operational excellence. As Seán Kelly explains on page 6, the resulting boost in employee empowerment and refinement of day-to-day processes helped the site save more than $22 million in eight years and capture international acclaim. Performance-based coaching is another valuable tool to promote productivity and employee development, note Tim Toterhi and Ronald J. Recardo. On page 25, they detail a comprehensive coaching model that is designed to deliver a quantifiable return on investment and can be tailored to any business environment. When organizational leaders seek progress through mergers and acquisitions, they can learn much by first considering the experiences of others who have done the same. On page 41, Nitin Pangarkar outlines the policies that Nestlé-Alcon, Philip Morris-Miller Beer, and Mittal Steel have used to shore up value for both sides in a corporate acquisition. Meanwhile, the experiences of Pfizer, which Syed Tariq Anwar reviews on page 56, caution organizational leaders to never underestimate the impact that external stakeholders can have on their plans. When looking for creative ways to motivate staff, it is crucial to bear in mind that even within the same field, no two types of employees are alike, notes Saïd Echchakoui on page 70. His study of the effects of personality traits and organizational identification on the turnover intention of agents in a Canadian call center illustrates the importance of examining employees’ total work experience when devising policies to encourage their growth and commitment to the firm. And as Xiaodong Yang explains on page 87, the characteristics of emotional intelligence that affect personal relationships can also determine the effectiveness of individuals and teams in a corporate setting. He presents a useful model to uncover strengths and weaknesses in organizations of all sizes and cultures. Clearly, when devising a strategy for moving an organization ahead, there is no single answer; but a positive outlook can help. As Ford also advised, the key is to focus not on fault finding, but on finding a remedy.

Framework to improve performance through implementing Lean Six Sigma strategies to oil exporting countries during recession or depression

Purpose– Today’s global business environment essential requirement to an industries reduction of wastes, reduction of variations, reduction of lead time and innovative feature quality product with minimum cost. That strives to improve customer satisfaction, break through strategies to solve problems with fastest process speed. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy and framework can help during recession or upcoming recession to improve business excellencies and companies strategies against recession. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– The paper followed views of authors, industrial experts from oil industries regarding LSS strategy, framework, comparative key factors of Lean and Six Sigma to overcome continuously decline oil prices globally. LSS strategy will proactively work as preventive tool for insipid economical growth of oil-exporting countries.Findings– To follow the LSS guidelines, oil-exporting countries can improve their business performance during ongoing oil price fall that may be influenced on gross domestic product of countries.Originality/value– The case study may provide some help to survive ongoing crisis of continuously fallen oil price that is highly problematic for oil-exporting countries.

A Study on Moderate Effect of Mass Production and Differentiation Strategy on Relationship between 6 Sigma practices and Corporate Performance

Our first goal of this study is to examine whether 6 sigma practice of companies has positive effect on corporate performance. The second goal is to investigate if implementation of mass production strategy and of diversification strategy has positive moderate effect on the relationship. By conducting empirical research on 162 Korean companies, we confirmed that there is positive relationship between implementation of 6 sigma practice and corporate performance. In additional analysis, we also found that implementation of mass production strategy in companies has positive moderate effect on the relationship, while Received(October 22, 2015), Review request(October 23, 2015), Review Result(1st: November 05, 2015, 2nd: December 23, 2015) Accepted(January 02, 2016), Published(January 31, 2016) (Corresponding Author) Dept. of Business Administration, Inha Univ., 100, Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon,, Korea email: pposhboy@inha.ac.kr Dept. of Business Administration, Inha Univ., 100, Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon,, Korea email: sys0527sys@naver.com A Study on Moderate Effect of Mass Production and Differentiation Strategy on Relationship between 6 Sigma practices and Corporate Performance Copyright c 2016 HSST 312 implementation of diversification strategy does not. From these result, we got the implication that implementation of 6 sigma practice actually produces performance improvement for companies. Moreover, implementation of 6 sigma and mass production strategy has synergy effect for performance improvement. In other words, manufacturing companies's effort and investment on 6 sigma and mass production have positive chemistry relationship and make them go ahead in competition

Review of Six Sigma applications in clinical testing laboratory

Six Sigma is a universal management approach implemented to companies like Motorola and General Electric. Acknowledging grand success in terms of global profitability and customer satisfaction in corporate world, healthcare sector can also be benefited by the application of the same to achieve similar benefits in this sector; Six Sigma is currently being spread in several laboratories around the world. The aim of this article is to clearly focus on different features of Six Sigma and its successful applications in medical laboratories, as well as to systematically review articles and books discussing Six Sigma strategy implementation in the laboratory field.

Review of Six Sigma applications in clinical testing laboratory

Six Sigma is a universal management approach implemented to companies like Motorola and General Electric. Acknowledging grand success in terms of global profitability and customer satisfaction in corporate world, healthcare sector can also be benefited by the application of the same to achieve similar benefits in this sector; Six Sigma is currently being spread in several laboratories around the world. The aim of this article is to clearly focus on different features of Six Sigma and its successful applications in medical laboratories, as well as to systematically review articles and books discussing Six Sigma strategy implementation in the laboratory field.

Application of design for Six Sigma methodology to an automotive component

Six Sigma strategy applies Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control method, which is best suited for effective process improvements. In order to build quality within products during design stage, a pre-emptive approach Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is required. Most quality techniques are based on production and shop floor associated tasks. Most drawbacks or errors in product occur during design phase itself. The improvement of process after it is rolled into production has inbuilt constraints. Hence, it is found vital that improving a product during design phase is much feasible than bringing improvements during further phases. This study explores the scope of the DFSS approach to product development, during early stage of the product design process. It includes execution of Identify, Design, Optimise, Validate (IDOV) phases with proper tools. DFSS for design improvement is applied to an automotive component using IDOV phases. O-Ring in automotive assembly was selected as case project.

Application of design for Six Sigma methodology to an automotive component

Six Sigma strategy applies Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control method, which is best suited for effective process improvements. In order to build quality within products during design stage, a pre-emptive approach Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is required. Most quality techniques are based on production and shop floor associated tasks. Most drawbacks or errors in product occur during design phase itself. The improvement of process after it is rolled into production has inbuilt constraints. Hence, it is found vital that improving a product during design phase is much feasible than bringing improvements during further phases. This study explores the scope of the DFSS approach to product development, during early stage of the product design process. It includes execution of Identify, Design, Optimise, Validate (IDOV) phases with proper tools. DFSS for design improvement is applied to an automotive component using IDOV phases. O-Ring in automotive assembly was selected as case project.

Current concept review: quality and process improvement in orthopedics.

Multiple health care stakeholders are increasingly scrutinizing musculoskeletal care to optimize quality and cost efficiency. This has led to greater emphasis on quality and process improvement. There is a robust set of business strategies that are increasingly being applied to health care delivery. These quality and process improvement tools (QPITs) have specific applications to segments of, or the entire episode of, patient care. In the rapidly changing health care world, it will behoove all orthopedic surgeons to have an understanding of the manner in which care delivery processes can be evaluated and improved. Many of the commonly used QPITs, including checklist initiatives, standardized clinical care pathways, lean methodology, six sigma strategies, and total quality management, embrace basic principles of quality improvement. These principles include focusing on outcomes, optimizing communication among health care team members, increasing process standardization, and decreasing process variation. This review summarizes the common QPITs, including how and when they might be employed to improve care delivery.

Sustainable Improvement for United Arab Emirates' SMEs

The effective implementation of the six sigma strategy within UAE manufacturing/service industries, in particular small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is poor. SMEs cite high costs and complexity of implementation as being the major limiting factors as to its widespread use. This paper aims to propose an approach to implement Six Sigma for SMEs and describe how these companies could apply this cost-effective approach to eradicate critical total quality (CTQ) issues, improving efficiency, and contribute to the bottom line. The approach is also valuable for quality professionals, service and manufacturing specialists in a wide range of industries.

Use of Six Sigma strategies to pull the line on central line-associated bloodstream infections in a neurotrauma intensive care unit.

The creation of a consistent culture of safety and quality in an intensive care unit is challenging. We applied the Six Sigma Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) model for quality improvement (QI) to develop a long-term solution to improve outcomes in a high-risk neurotrauma intensive care unit. We sought to reduce central line utilization as a cornerstone in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). This study describes the successful application of the DMAIC model in the creation and implementation of evidence-based quality improvement designed to reduce CLABSIs to below national benchmarks.

Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists and Application of DMAIC Technique to Improve the Ergonomics at Dental Clinics and Meta-Analysis of Literature.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) result in discomfort, pain and illness that can result in disruption or impairment of dental practice. A cross-sectional study consisting of 60 dentists was carried out to determine musculoskeletal work related pain in major cities of Northern India. The study was planned in two phases. In the first phase, the subjects were given questionnaire related to the musculoskeletal pain happened over the last twelve months. In the second phase of study, improvement was carried out by recommending the subjects to implement ergonomics at their workplace. After three months subjects were again approached and given questionnaire about the musculoskeletal disorders. DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve and control) methodology of six sigma strategy was used to access the MSDs. Chi-square test was used for the analysis and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal problems in the present study was found to be 68.3%. After three months only 23 respondents applied ergonomics at their work place, prevalence of pain was reduced in neck from 47.8% to 21.7% out of total 23 respondents, shoulder pain 39.1% to 17.3%, pain in elbows from 26% to 21.7%, as well as in other locomotor organs. The p-value was significant with p <0.05. MSD represents a major occupational health issue for dentists in India as well as worldwide and result revealed necessitates the need of workshops to create awareness of ergonomics as effective measures for reducing MSD among dentists.

Lean Six Sigma strategy in telecom manufacturing

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elaborate, how the use of a joint-use strategy of Lean and Six Sigma can improve flexibility, robustness, and agility. Telecom manufacturing has been under tremendous change after dot.com bubble burst in the early 2000, and new competition has originated from Asia. Being successful requires now more than before, and joint-use of strategies is one option to survive. Design/methodology/approach – A single case study from a Swedish company operating in the telecom manufacturing was conducted. In particular, a Six Sigma project was followed and analyzed during 2002. However, the outcome of the Six Sigma project has been studied in longitudinal manner until 2014. Findings – The Lean Six Sigma strategy ensures flexible, robust, and efficient processes. However, to make them more agile in order to sustain in today's highly competitive environment, something more is required. This could include staff training, strengthening company culture and collaborating with key partners in the supply chain. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to large company that usually has a lot of resources and choices where to put the strategic emphasis as well as has level of control of the supply chain operations. The situation could be very different in small and medium-sized companies and thus it may be more difficult to realize the Lean Six Sigma strategy in such environment. On the other hand, the processes in these companies are often less complex. Practical implications – This research provides guidance on how to manage the Lean Six Sigma strategy in order to ensure more flexible, robust, and efficient processes as well as how to perform a Six Sigma project in Lean environment, in a proper manner. Originality/value – This research provides guidance to companies regarding the applicability and properties of the Lean Six Sigma strategy. The paper will also serve as a basis for other companies and industries, on how to survive in difficult times.

Application of Lean Six Sigma methodology in the registration process of a hospital

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the scope of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy and to explore its successful deployment in the Indian healthcare sector.Design/methodology/approach– The research reported in this paper is based on a case study carried out using the LSS DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Control) approach and its application in improving the registration process in the Health Information Department (HID) of a Medical College hospital in India.Findings– The study describes improvements in the HID through the power of LSS. Cycle time of the process was reduced from three to 1.5 minutes and the SD was reduced to 21.2 from 61 seconds. The project has shown a 94 per cent reduction in patients’ average waiting time. The study also reported a 91 per cent reduction in queue length and 48 per cent reduction in percentage of scheduled utilization of staff for the process.Research limitations/implications– The paper is based on a single case study executed in a hospital and hence there is limitation in generalizing the specific results from the study. But the approach adopted and the learning from this study can be generalized. The study is of use to healthcare practitioners seeking to implement or develop LSS further in their organizations.Originality/value– Although LSS being extremely successful in the last two decades, the application of LSS to the healthcare industry in general and HID in particular has been limited. This study illustrates how its application can improve the performance of the process and thus productivity in the department.

Six Sigma in the Activities of the Intermediary Companies as a Factor of Improving Performance

The article is aimed to determine the merits of the Six Sigma strategy and the peculiarities of its use by the intermediary enterprises, as well as to suggest a certain classification of logistic business processes and services, their content and purposes. It investigates the initial conditions of the Six Sigma emergence and modern interpretations of the strategy by organizations. It also suggests using the core aspects of Six Sigma strategy in the activities of the intermediary enterprises. The article systemizes the logistic business processes, subprocesses, operations, and other services provided by the intermediary enterprise. The analysis of the peculiarities of the intermediary enterprise reveals its logistic business processes and services, their types and content. The Six Sigma strategy in the activities of the intermediary companies is supposed to be based on 6 main issues. They are as following: defining services and products mostly needed by customers, achieving one of the six σ!levels according to the customers' complaints about the quality of the received services; understanding and organizing the key business processes satisfying the customers' demands towards the services and products; termination of the activities consuming resources but for forming values; measuring (quite thoroughly) of the processes performance; training the staff to concentrate on the key competencies, improving the enterprise performance in general; strategic management of the enterprise (the choice of the strategy connected with its market share). The article defines those types of the intermediary enterprises' activities, which consume the resources, but do not add any value to their production.

Six Sigma and Business Environment in Nigeria

The Paper Addressed Six Sigma And Business Environment In Nigeria. Process Improvements Are Actions Taken For Improving Organizational Processes, The Need For Making Process Improvements Continually Is Imperative For The Survival Of Organizations Because Of The Need To Respond Rapidly To Ever-Changing Environments In The Face Of Stiff Competition. The Paper Examined The Environmental Influence On The Application Of Six Sigma Strategy In Nigeria. The Survey Method Was Adopted. The Instrument For Data Collection Was Built On A Likert-Scale System. The Questionnaire Has A Reliability Coefficient (R) Value Tested With Cronbach's Alpha Statistics. Based On The Findings Of The Paper, It Is Discovered That Six Sigma Adds Significant Value To The Organization That Adopt The Strategy. The Study Also Revealed That The Environmental Factors Positively Affect The Application Of Six Sigma Strategy In Nigeria. Six Sigma Strategy Could Be Better Implemented And Better Result Achieved When Environment Is Conducive Than When It Is Not. The Paper Recommends That Government Should Create A Conducive Business Environment For The Application Of Six Sigma. Also Managers In The Sectors Should Constantly Review Or Scan The Environment Should Be Encouraged To Avoid The Unforeseeable Troubles.

Quality improvement through Poka-Yoke: from engineering design to information system design

Toyota production system (TPS) has extensive use of Poka–Yoke (mistake–proofing) devices. Poka–Yoke is also an essential process component of Motorola's Six Sigma strategy. However, Poka–Yoke has been largely ignored in academia. This paper advances the Poka–Yoke theory by formalising information system design (ISD) as a new way of design for Poka–Yoke through multiple case studies. Traditional engineering design Poka–Yoke has proven to be very effective to build quality into production processes. However, its application in non–production processes is very limited due to its reliance on physical features for error detection. In contrast, ISD Poka–Yoke is applicable for both manufacturing and service processes. Integrating wireless devices, ISD Poka–Yoke can even mistake–proof logistics processes which are often mobile in nature. Based on case study results, this paper presents a theoretical framework to unify developments in the design for Poka–Yoke. Practical guidance is also provided for Poka–Yoke implementation.

Yield-Based Capability Index for Evaluating the Performance of Multivariate Manufacturing Process

Process capability indices (PCIs) have been widely used in the manufacturing industry providing numerical measures on process precision, accuracy and performance. Capability indices measures for processes with a single characteristic have been investigated extensively. However, an industrial product may have more than one quality characteristic. In order to establish performance measures for evaluating the capability of a multivariate manufacturing process, multivariate PCIs should be introduced. In this paper, we analyze the relationship between PCI and process yield. The PCI ECpk is proposed based on the idea of six sigma strategy, and there is a one-to-one relationship between ECpk index and process yield. Following the same, idea we propose a PCI MECpk to measure processes with multiple characteristics. MECpk index can evaluate the overall process yield of both one-sided and two-sided processes. We also analyze the effect of covariance matrix on overall process yield and suggest a solution for improving overall process yield. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.