Multi‐faceted views on a Lean Six Sigma application
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 12 April 2013
Abstract
Purpose
Lean and Six Sigma observers, researchers and managers are awaiting the next step, which many feel could take the form of a combination of the two concepts, known as Lean Six Sigma. The purpose of this paper is to explore an application of Lean Six Sigma in practical improvement work, as a way of identifying factors of importance for improving future Lean Six Sigma applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical study was conducted through interviews, meetings, document analysis and observations over a period of four months.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest it is unfeasible to apply one standardised approach to improvements in one company. Continuous smaller improvements and larger improvement projects demand different formulas. It is appropriate to use Lean and Six Sigma in parallel but this should be done through clever cross‐fertilisation, such as taking variations in project complexity into consideration.
Research limitations/implications
This paper shows one way of working with an improvement initiative in one particular company. It does not propose that this is the only way to combine Lean and Six Sigma nor does it suggest universal applicability. Further research on other possible combinations would be valuable.
Practical implications
This paper provides an outline of how to structure a combination of Lean and Six Sigma. This could provide valuable insights to managers who wish to structure their improvement processes depending on the type of problem at hand.
Originality/value
This paper expands the theoretical foundation for combining Lean and Six Sigma by studying and analysing a practical application of the concept. As a result, it provides new factors of importance for successful Lean Six Sigma applications, such as having a clear structure that guides the company in terms of what components of Lean Six Sigma to apply and what competences to involve in various projects, depending on the scope and complexity.
Keywords
Citation
Assarlind, M., Gremyr, I. and Bäckman, K. (2013), "Multi‐faceted views on a Lean Six Sigma application", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 387-402. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711311308385
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited