Lean Six Sigma for small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a systematic review

Paul Elias Alexander · Jiju Antony · Bryan A. Rodgers

92 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

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Quality and Supply Management Management and Optimization Techniques Management Systems and Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the most common themes within Lean Six Sigma (LSS) relating to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within manufacturing organisations and to identify the research gaps in the existing literature. Design/methodology/approach Tranfield et al. ’s (2003) systematic review methodology was utilised encompassing three stages: planning, conducting and reporting/dissemination. Findings The literature revealed that there are many areas in which LSS has been utilised with varying successes. In total, 52 journals have been reviewed and it has been concluded that although LSS is a powerful methodology, there are many gaps that exist in the literature and further research is needed to address these in the field of LSS. Research limitations/implications The papers included in the systematic review were peer-reviewed papers available in English. Due to these limitations, relevant papers may have been excluded. Moreover, the authors have excluded all conference and white papers for their inclusion in this study. Practical implications It is vital that LSS practitioners are fully aware of the benefits, limitations and impeding factors when implementing a LSS initiative. Therefore, this paper could provide valuable insights to ensuring maximum value, is obtained from LSS implementation in SMEs. Originality/value This systematic review identifies research gaps in the current literature and highlighting areas of future research which will be beneficial to many SMEs in their pursuit of value optimisation.

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References

2003Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence‐Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review 2004A Process for Systematically Reviewing the Literature: Providing the Research Evidence for Public Health Nursing Interventions 2011A Guide to Conducting a Systematic Literature Review of Information Systems Research 2010Lean Six Sigma – getting better all the time 2010The evolution of lean Six Sigma 2014Critical failure factors of Lean Six Sigma: a systematic literature review 2006Implementing the Lean Sigma framework in an Indian SME: a case study 2014The impact of lean methods and tools on the operational performance of manufacturing organisations

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