A framework for analyzing how context influences lean leadershipSeidel, André; Saurin, Tarcisio Abreu
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-04-2019-0041
Although leadership in lean systems is influenced by context, the mechanisms linking contextual factors (CFs) to leadership have not been explored. This study aims to present a framework for analyzing how context influences lean leadership competencies (LLCs).Design/methodology/approachThe framework’s design was based on insights from literature and refined through an empirical study of a large manufacturing plant formally committed to lean. The evolution of CFs over time was monitored in this study, allowing for analyzing how these triggered the need for using LLCs.FindingsThe framework proved to be useful for as follows: the assessment of LLCs in different hierarchical levels; the analysis of how CFs and LLCs interact in specific “leadership events”; and the identification of improvement opportunities for supporting leadership. Four design propositions emerged from the empirical study, offering complimentary guidance for using the framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework was tested in one company, and therefore generalizations about its effectiveness need further applications.Practical implicationsThe framework may be used fully or partly by practitioners. For instance, the assessment of LLCs can be used as a standalone tool according to the specific needs of practitioners. Also, by producing rich descriptions of LLCs and CFs, the framework may inform lean leadership development programs.Originality/valueThe framework allows for a systematic analysis of how a broad range of CFs influence LLCs, thus operationalizing an idea that so far has been discussed mostly on a theoretical level.
Assessment of readiness level for implementing lean six sigma in healthcare organization using fuzzy logic approachVaishnavi, V.; Suresh, M.
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-07-2019-0081
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a widely accepted business improvement methodology in healthcare, which aims to improve operations and quality and reduce cost, medical errors and waiting time by combing the principles of lean thinking with Six Sigma methodologies. To implement LSS successfully in healthcare organizations it is necessary to know the readiness level before starting the change process. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to assess the readiness level for the implementation of LSS in healthcare using a fuzzy logic approach.Design/methodology/approachThe current study uses a fuzzy logic approach to develop an assessment model for readiness to implement LSS. The conceptual model for readiness is developed with 5 enablers, 16 criteria and 48 attributes identified from the literature review. The current study does the study in a medium-size hospital from India.FindingsThe fuzzy readiness for implementation of LSS index (FRLSSI) and fuzzy performance importance index (FPII) are calculated to identify the readiness level for the implementation of LSS in the case hospital. The FRLSSI is computed as average ready with (3.30, 5.06 and 6.83) and the FPII computed helps to identify 15 weaker attributes from 48 attributes.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study uses only one hospital for study. In the future, the model can be tested in many hospitals.Practical implicationsThe current study would be used by the managers of a healthcare organization to identify the readiness level of their organization to implement LSS. The proposed model is based on the identification of enablers, criteria and attributes to assess the readiness level of a healthcare organization and it helps to improve the readiness level to implement LSS effectively.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to the knowledge of readiness for the implementation of LSS in a healthcare organization. The conceptual model is developed for assessing the readiness level of a healthcare organization and it helps to improve the readiness level for successful implementation of LSS. Weaker attributes are identified and necessary corrective actions should be taken by the management to improve the readiness. The continuation of the assessment readiness model over a period of time would help to improve the readiness level of healthcare for the implementation of LSS.
Barriers to adopting lean construction in the construction industry: a literature reviewAlbalkhy, Wassim; Sweis, Rateb
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-12-2018-0144
The purpose of this paper is to identify and theoretically explain the general barriers to adopting lean construction practices in the construction industry regardless of the country or the company size or specialization, and to suggest future research studies in this field.Design/methodology/approachSystematic literature review was conducted to identify and explain the list of the barriers from scientific sources that were published before May 2018.FindingsTwenty-nine barriers were identified and explained, and a proposed model to classify the sources of the barriers was chosen. Seventeen barriers were classified as internal environment-related barriers, five were labor-related, three were materials-related and four were exogenous barriers. In addition, some directions for the future research studies were suggested.Research limitations/implicationsThe barriers that are related to the advanced levels of lean construction (LC) implementations, to a specific location or to a specific LC tool were excluded.Originality/valueThis review will help to increase the understanding of the new concept of LC and might help to encourage the adoption of LC practices. Also, it might be useful for identifying the strategies to achieve successful application of these practices.
Reliability, availability and maintainability analysis of a bag production industry based on the six sigma DMAIC approachTsarouhas, Panagiotis
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-09-2019-0101
The purpose of this paper is to implement the six sigma (SS) strategy in a bag sector under actual operating circumstances based on defining-measure-analyze-improve and control (DMAIC). During the project, several statistical tools and methods have been used efficiently to create inferences. Thus, to measure and enhance system efficiency, the author calculate reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) indices. Based on this research, the author show how the SS method and RAM analysis are very helpful in determining maintenance intervals, as well as in planning and organizing the appropriate maintenance strategy.Design/methodology/approachThis study introduces the step-by-step application of the DMAIC methodology for the identification and reduction of bag production line downtime and examines the present operations management. Thus, statistical techniques are used to analyze the failure and repair database. Pareto analysis, histograms and descriptive statistics at the machine and line-level of the historical data were conducted. Trend and serial correlation testing validated the hypothesis of independence and identical distribution of database was performed. In addition, with their best fit allocation, the RAM of both the bag production line and its machines was estimated at separate mission times.FindingsThe main goals of the applied method are to understand the nature of the downtime patterns and to accurately and quantitatively estimate the RAM characteristics of the bag production system. The assessment defines the production line's critical points, requiring further enhancement through an efficient maintenance approach. Therefore, by improving plant efficiency and safety, the author can decrease unplanned downtime and equipment failures.Originality/valueThis research is expected to serve as an attempt to conduct SS DMAIC methodology through RAM assessment and its impact on system efficiency under actual circumstances. The benefit of the methodology is that the manufacturing process is continuously monitored by suitable indicators, the use of which leads to a continuous improvement cycle.
A systematic literature review of lean six sigma adoption in European organizationsPanayiotou, Nikolaos A.; Stergiou, Konstantinos E.
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-07-2019-0084
The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European institutions to extract useful conclusions about LSS adoption in European companies and to suggest direction for future research concerning the broader LSS application in them.Design/methodology/approachThis study has been conducted by reviewing 58 papers, found in top journals, coming from European institutions that present studies of European companies and fulfill the selected inclusion criteria.FindingsThe analysis of the literature revealed the level of penetration of the LSS methodology in organizations of each European country. The study of the papers revealed the sectors and the size of companies that are more active in LSS application, the method used in each project, the tools which are deployed and the interconnection between LSS and other topics through the project implementation.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited access provided by the authors’ institution only to three major publishers (Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis) and the focus of the search only in European organizations were the main limitations of this review.Practical implicationsThis paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights about LSS implementation in European organizations, presenting a complete analysis framework of the literature and highlighting gaps for further research.Originality/valueAn extended and detailed analysis of LSS adoption in Europe has not been conducted before. This review presents a clear view about how LSS projects in European organization have been applied so far and suggests ways of how the literature could be enriched to facilitate the LSS implementation.
Linking practices to results: an analysis toward Lean Six Sigma deployment in the public sectorJuliani, Fernando; de Oliveira, Otávio José
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-02-2020-0017
The purpose of this paper is to present relationship between operation and management practices analyzing the results achieved by both public organizations prone to deploy Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and public organizations that have already implemented the method. The goal is to support the start of method deployment by public managers and the creation of more efficient and effective processes in public organizations.Design/methodology/approachAn analysis of synergies between findings in the multiple case study carried out in Brazilian public organizations from health and education sectors and successful implementations found in the LSS literature is made.FindingsThe fact that this research comprised organizations from different segments allowed good practices and difficulties to be identified in a unique way, adding more value to the research carried out and increasing the potential of support to the public manager. In addition, it was possible to map the most mentioned benefits of LSS deployment in both health and education sectors and link them to systematized LSS practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe presenting research should initiate a scientific discussion on public sector areas more prone to LSS and guide researchers in the development of case studies aimed at the application of this method in public organizations in general.Practical implicationsThis paper can assist public managers to become aware of the potential of the organization they manage in the adoption of LSS principles and practices enabling a better quality of services provided to citizens.Originality/valueThe finding that public health organizations are more likely to implement LSS principles and practices when compared to public organizations from other segments can guide more in-depth studies that justify why some organizations would be better able to implement the LSS method and others would face more difficulties in a hypothetical deployment.
Requirements, challenges and impacts of Lean Six Sigma applications – a narrative synthesis of qualitative researchAlblooshi, Mohamed; Shamsuzzaman, Mohammad; Khoo, Michael Boon Chong; Rahim, Abdur; Haridy, Salah
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-06-2019-0067
The purpose of this paper is to identify, present and categorise the main requirements, challenges and impacts of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) applications. Emphasis is given to the soft impacts of LSS applications, which are intangible in nature and difficult to quantify and measure, highlighting the most frequently cited ones.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative synthesis of the studies using the narrative synthesis approach is adopted to descriptively summarise and categorise the requirements, challenges and impacts of LSS applications. The studies were searched by using the following keywords: “LSS applications,” “LSS requirements,” “LSS challenges” and “LSS impacts” in almost all major electronic databases such as Emerald, Taylor and Francis, ScienceDirect and Wiley. A total of 116 articles published between 2007 and 2017 in 41 academic journals were collected and reviewed. Consideration was also given to a number of substantial publications in 2006, 2018 and 2019.FindingsIn addition to its process efficiency and financial impacts, LSS was found to have another impact category related to individual and organisational behaviours. Management commitment, training and organisational culture were concluded to be amongst the most important and required categories for successful LSS applications. It was also found that the lack of awareness of LSS tools and benefits and the lack of change management and resistance to change were amongst the most cited categories of implementation challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThe studies published between 2007 and 2017 are mainly considered in this paper. It is believed that 10-year publication period considered in this research is sufficient to study the evolution, benefits, limitations and future trends of a particular research topic. However, the exclusion criteria used in the search process with respect to the articles’ year of publication and search terms and keywords may limit the generalisation of the research findings. In addition, the qualitative nature of this research study and the lack of empirical data to support its findings is another limitation that future research should consider.Practical implicationsThis research paper may serve as a valuable source of information for LSS researchers as it will provide them with useful and new insights and directions for further research in LSS. It will also increase the awareness of LSS practitioners about the kind of impact LSS has, and therefore, achieve a better utilisation of its tools by ensuring availability of application requirements and overcoming application challenges.Originality/valueThis study differs from previous research studies as it focusses attention on the soft impacts of LSS applications and highlights them. The study identifies and prioritises LSS application impacts, requirements and challenges. The study on these aspects was found to be limited and lacking in previous research studies.
The mediating role of innovation culture on the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance in Dubai police forceAlosani, Mohammed Saleh; Yusoff, Rushami Zien; Al-Ansi, Ali Ali; Al-Dhaafri, Hassan Saleh
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-11-2019-0110
This study aims to empirically examine the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance of the Dubai Police Force (DPF). Moreover, this study further explores the role of innovation culture as a mediating variable between this relationship.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted to collect research data. The population of the study was composed of head section officers of the DPF. A total of 388 questionnaires were distributed amongst respondents in which 252 of them were returned. Structural equation modelling was performed to test the hypothesised model.FindingsCentral findings confirmed the effect of Six Sigma and innovation culture on organisational performance. Additionally, innovation culture was found to partially mediate the effects of Six Sigma on organisational performance.Practical implicationsFindings from this study may enlighten managers, practitioners and academicians on the importance of using Six Sigma in the policing field. This study advocates taking into account preparing appropriate culture when implementing Six Sigma projects given its role in facilitating the implementation of these projects and achieving success. Six Sigma with innovation culture provides a key opportunity for the creation of uniqueness and has the potential to significantly influence organisational performance.Originality/valueThis study adds to the current knowledge on the role of Six Sigma on organisational performance of police agencies. This study is the first to provide empirical evidence on the mediating role of innovation culture on the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance in policing context.
Implementation of lean in health care environments: an update of systematic reviewsLima, Rui M.; Dinis-Carvalho, José; Souza, Thiago A.; Vieira, Elisa; Gonçalves, Bruno
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-07-2019-0074
Even though the implementation of lean in health care environments is relatively recent, it has been receiving a lot of attention in recent years. Partly because of the fact that it is a recent field of practise and research and partly because the number of works developed in this field has grown rapidly, it is important to frequently update the perspectives on this field of investigation. Thus, this study aims to review the implementation of lean tools and techniques applied to hospital organizational areas in a five-year period, between 2014 and 2018, complementing some of the most relevant reviews already published. The most important criteria such as tools, methods and principles, hospital areas intervened, improvements and difficulties were assessed and quantified.Design/methodology/approachAs starting point for this systematic literature review (SLR), a set of selected pre-existing review publications was used to support the current study and as the ground base for the expansion of the studies about lean health care. The current study contemplated 114 articles from a five-year period between 2014 and 2018. A subset of 58 of these articles was critically assessed to understand the application of lean tools and methods in different hospital areas.FindingsThe thorough analysis of selected articles show a lack of works in continuous improvement approaches when compared to the application of production organization methods, visual management and diagnosing and problem-solving tools. The reported improvement results demonstrate alignment with the principles and foundations of lean philosophy, but such results are presented in isolated initiatives and without robust evidence of long-term maintenance. Moreover, this study shows an evolution in the number of articles referring to lean implementation in hospital areas, but in its great majority, such articles report isolated implementations in different areas, not spreading those for the global organization. Thus, some of the main recommendations are the need to implement studies on complete flows of patients, drugs and materials, instead of isolated initiatives and strive to promote the cultural change of hospitals through structural changes, following new visions and strategic objectives, supported by real models of continuous structural and sustained improvement.Originality/valueThe current study develops a new perspective of the articles published under the thematic of lean health care, published in a recent period of five years, which are not completely covered by other works. Additionally, it explicitly applied, in an innovative way, an approach that used a set of previous reviews as the starting point for this SLR. In this way, it integrates approaches and categories from different SLRs, creating a framework of analysis that can be used by future researchers. Finally, it shows the most recent implementations of lean health care, exposing the current trends, improvements and also the main gaps.
MDAIC – a Six Sigma implementation strategy in big data environmentsKoppel, Siim; Chang, Shing
2020 International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
doi: 10.1108/ijlss-12-2019-0123
Modern production facilities produce large amounts of data. The computational framework often referred to as big data analytics has greatly improved the capabilities of analyses of large data sets. Many manufacturing companies can now seize this opportunity to leverage their data to gain competitive advantages for continuous improvement. Six Sigma has been among the most popular approaches for continuous improvement. The data-driven nature of Six Sigma applied in a big data environment can provide competitive advantages. In the traditional Six Sigma implementation – define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) problem-solving strategy where a human team defines a project ahead of data collection. This paper aims to propose a new Six Sigma approach that uses massive data generated to identify opportunities for continuous improvement projects in a manufacturing environment in addition to human input in a measure, define, analyze, improve and control (MDAIC) format.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed Six Sigma strategy called MDAIC starts with data collection and process monitoring in a manufacturing environment using system-wide monitoring that standardizes continuous, attribute and profile data into comparable metrics in terms of “traffic lights.” The classifications into green, yellow and red lights are based on pre-control charts depending on how far a measurement is from its target. The proposed method monitors both process parameters and product quality data throughout a hierarchical production system over time. An attribute control chart is used to monitor system performances. As the proposed method is capable of identifying changed variables with both spatial and temporal spaces, Six Sigma teams can easily pinpoint the areas in need to initiate Six Sigma projects.FindingsBased on a simulation study, the proposed method is capable of identifying variables that exhibit the biggest deviations from the target in the Measure step of a Six Sigma project. This provides suggestions of the candidates for the improvement section of the proposed MDAIC methodology.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a new approach for the identifications of projects for continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. The proposed framework aims to monitor the entire production system that integrates all types of production variables and the product quality characteristics.