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Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in SMEs (small and medium enterprises)

Manisha Lande (Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, India)
R. L. Shrivastava (Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, India)
Dinesh Seth (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar)

The TQM Journal

ISSN: 1754-2731

Article publication date: 13 June 2016

7032

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and list critical success factors (CSFs) of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework affecting and influencing quality, operational and financial performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It also intends to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies, developing frameworks and to ensure effective implementation experience of LSS.

Design/methodology/approach

It systematically reviews literature on CSFs and Indian experience regarding LSS. It uses exploratory approach for data collection and documents various studies depicting both manufacturing and service experiences by using time tested statistical tools to prioritize CSFs, which critically influence LSS implementation.

Findings

The study guides and facilitates researchers and practitioners in using the most appropriate set of CSFs for empirical studies and in developing/modifying/reviewing application frameworks. It also guides implementation experience regarding LSS, which can be beneficiary for both developing and developed country contexts. Industries can accelerate implementation by understanding and using most important CSFs, which influence LSS framework.

Research limitations/implications

The study mainly remains confined to the CSFs for LSS implementation in SMEs from Indian subcontinent.

Originality/value

The value lies in documenting, and prioritizing CSFs influencing LSS in a meaningful manner so that researchers/companies take advantage of Indian experience in prioritizing CSFs for framework. The study drastically reduces implementation hassles and simplifies execution for empirical studies. The findings are not restricted to India but are generalizable and can globally utilized in deciding determinants of LSS framework.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the editor and anonymous referees for their constructive and helpful comments on the earlier version of the manuscript that helped to improve the presentation of the paper considerably.

Citation

Lande, M., Shrivastava, R.L. and Seth, D. (2016), "Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma in SMEs (small and medium enterprises)", The TQM Journal, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 613-635. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-12-2014-0107

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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