Prioritising solutions for Lean Six Sigma adoption barriers through fuzzy AHP-modified TOPSIS framework
International Journal of Lean Six Sigma
ISSN: 2040-4166
Article publication date: 9 July 2018
Issue publication date: 7 August 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to guide about prioritisation and ranking of the solutions and overcoming barriers to facilitate the adoption of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) by using a hybrid framework.
Design/methodology/approach
It identifies LSS barriers and solutions to facilitate LSS adoption through literature review and by involving subject experts. The study makes use of fuzzy set theory and proposes a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-modified TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution) framework. It uses sensitivity analysis to establish framework robustness.
Findings
The key findings of this techno-managerial study are identification and prioritisation of 27 LSS barriers and 22 solutions to overcome adoption challenges, proposition and usage of fuzzy AHP-modified TOPSIS framework, guidance regarding where to focus for facilitating LSS adoption and ensuring robustness using sensitivity analysis, which establishes insignificant deviation in rankings when criteria weights are altered.
Research limitations/implications
Some biasness and subjectivity may exist during pairwise comparisons as human judgements are involved.
Practical implications
Handling a hybrid solution like LSS is never easy. It is expected that the study will help industry professionals to plan their LSS adoption attempts effectively. Guidance regarding LSS barriers will assist in observing necessary precautions to avoid failures. It will open up new research fronts for researchers also.
Originality/value
Literature is full of studies regarding LSS barriers and its rankings. It is very rare to witness a study like ours, which discusses the barriers and links with solutions and its prioritisation. Proposed hybrid framework for a hybrid techno-managerial approach such as LSS is unique and acts as the roadmap for smooth implementation.
Keywords
Citation
Yadav, G., Seth, D. and Desai, T.N. (2018), "Prioritising solutions for Lean Six Sigma adoption barriers through fuzzy AHP-modified TOPSIS framework", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 270-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-06-2016-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited