Lean Six Sigma in SMEs: an exploration through literature review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the researches reported in literature on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and determine the avenues by which lean anchorage can be improved in LSS implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and LSS was reviewed. The literature has been reviewed from four major perspectives. The findings of this review were used to find the methods for the improvement of lean anchorage. The proposed model is explained with a hypothetical case study.

Findings

The major finding of the exploration reported in this article is that the lean anchorage in LSS process is found to be weak and it has to be enhanced for improving the effectiveness of LSS approach. The results derived from the hypothetical case study have been presented.

Research limitations/implications

The researches on LSS from the perspective of implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises have been explored. But the lean anchorage method proposed could be extended to other organizations also.

Practical implications

The findings of this literature exploration pinpoint the need for enhancing the efficacy of LSS approach.

Originality/value

This article has identified and presented systematically four major perspectives of LSS. The deficiency has been identified and the improvement methods have been proposed. Hence, the contributions of this article are original and valuable.

Citation

Prasanna, M. and Vinodh, S. (2013), "Lean Six Sigma in SMEs: an exploration through literature review", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 224-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2011-0001