A conceptual examination of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma models for managing waste in manufacturing SMEs
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2019-0073 |
| Pages | 20-32 |
| Date | 06 January 2020 |
| Published date | 06 January 2020 |
| Author | Harsimran Singh Sodhi,Doordarshi Singh,Bikram Jit Singh |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
A conceptual examination of
Lean, Six Sigma and Lean
Six Sigma models for managing
waste in manufacturing SMEs
Harsimran Singh Sodhi
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, India
Doordarshi Singh
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
BBSBEC, Fatehgarh Sahib, India, and
Bikram Jit Singh
Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University, Ambala, India
Abstract
Purpose –The purposeof this paper is to examine and evaluatevarious Lean, Six Sigma andLean Six Sigma
(LSS) models proposedby various researchers, which have beenimplemented in manufacturing organizations.
Design/methodology/approach –The present study has followed three major steps in methodology.
In the first step, pooling of various research articles has been done, followed by development of the primary
results. At the final step, analysis and development of the LSS model have been performed.
Findings –This paper evaluated and examined various models of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and LSS
and developed an advanced LSS model that can be deployed in any manufacturing organization with the
purpose of scrap reduction.
Originality/value –The findings of this study will assist shop floor managers to implement an LSS model
in their organizations, which can effectively reduce the waste and enhance the overall productivity and
quality of the manufactured products.
Keywords Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Most of the manufacturing systems of recent times are based upon the input and output
models (Vohra et al., 2013). The system receives the input in the form of raw material,
processes, signals, etc., and transforms it into the final product (Singh and Sodhi, 2014).
Quality and the cost of the final product depend upon the factors that affect the system
during the overall processing (Sodhi and Singh, 2013). The ultimate goal of this whole
processing is to create a highly reliable and cost-efficient product to get profitability and
remain competitive by rapid sales growth. Literature based upon Lean manufacturing,
Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) models implemented in various manufacturing
industries has been reviewed. Linderman et al. proposed a DMAIC model applicable in
Brazil and Argentina for industrial and service sectors. Pocha et al. implemented an LSS
model in health care industries located in the USA. Chugani et al. conducted a case study
using LSS model for projects in non-profit organizations. Antony and Gijo (2017) worked in
the field of proposing an integrated model for LSS application in the airline industry.
Timans et al. (2018) dealt with projects of LSS in small- and medium-sized manufacturing
enterprises in the Netherlands for use and usefulness of LSS tools. Shah and Ishak (2008) in
their research proposed that using Lean models improves the quality and productivity of
the product. Performance levels are raised when Lean models are implemented in
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 17 No. 1, 2020
pp. 20-32
© Emerald PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2019-0073
Received 11 October 2019
Revised 22 October 2019
Accepted 23 October 2019
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
20
WJSTSD
17,1
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