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1 – 10 of 109Anand S. Patel and Kaushik M. Patel
This paper aims to develop an initial understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology since its inception and examine the few Lean Six Sigma dimensions as a research domain…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop an initial understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology since its inception and examine the few Lean Six Sigma dimensions as a research domain through a critical review of the literature.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is structured in two-part. The first part of the paper attempts to dwell on the evolution of the Lean Philosophy and Six Sigma methodology individually and the emergence of Lean Six Sigma methodology, covered under the Lean Six Sigma: a historical outline section. The second part of the study examines the dimensions associated with Lean Six Sigma such as frameworks, critical success factors, critical failure factors, type of industry, performance metric, year, publisher and journal, based on a total of 223 articles published in 72 reputed journals from the year 2000 to 2019 as a literature review.
Findings
The adoption of Lean Six Sigma, as a continuous improvement methodology, has grown enormously in the manufacturing and few service sectors such as health care and higher education during the past decade. The study revealed that researchers came out with conceptual frameworks for the implementation of Lean Six Sigma, whereas the validation through case studies seems to be lacking. The integration of Lean Six Sigma and other approaches with a focus on sustainability and the environment has emerged as a research field. A few of the most common critical success and failure factors were identified from the articles studied during the study.
Research limitations/implications
This paper may not have included some of the studies due to the inaccessibility and selection criteria followed for the study.
Originality/value
This paper will provide an initial introduction on Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma and research insights Lean Six Sigma to beginners such as students, researchers and entry-level professionals.
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Anand S. Patel and Kaushik M. Patel
Evidence indicates that the Indian economy has grown enormously in recent years. and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has evolved globally as a structured business improvement strategy with…
Abstract
Purpose
Evidence indicates that the Indian economy has grown enormously in recent years. and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has evolved globally as a structured business improvement strategy with diverse applicability in the last fifteen years. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the status of LSS implementation in Indian industries using a survey research technique.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire was devised from the literature, containing 25 questions to assess respondents’ awareness of the LSS methodology and gain insights on aspects associated with LSS adoption in Indian industries. The survey questionnaire was validated and was conducted using randomly sampled respondents from the Confederation of Indian Industries membership database. The collected data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS and MS Excel.
Findings
The findings attest that adopting LSS is not so encouraging and extremely poor in small- and medium-scale Indian industries. ISO 9001 emerged as a prominent quality improvement program. It is learnt that consultants play a pivotal role in bringing awareness and skills building while implementing LSS. Results endorse top management commitment and involvement, and resistance to change as leading success factors and challenges, respectively. Further, it is revealed that respondents were highly satisfied after the adoption of LSS.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study were derived from 183 responses and should be generalized cautiously.
Originality/value
This paper provides valuable insights on the present status covering the issues related to L:SS implementation in India. These results can motivate the managers of Indian industries for wide adoption of the LSS methodology. In addition, the findings of the paper may assist the researchers providing direction to carry out further research in LSS in the Indian context.
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Mayurkumar Ashwinbhai Makhesana and Kaushik M. Patel
The quality of the surface being machined and tool life are greatly affected by heat generated during machining. Abundant use of cutting fluid leads to higher production rates and…
Abstract
Purpose
The quality of the surface being machined and tool life are greatly affected by heat generated during machining. Abundant use of cutting fluid leads to higher production rates and a threat for environment and worker’s health. Hence, the need is to identify eco-friendly lubricants. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the effects of solid lubricants (boric acid and molybdenum disulphide) mixed with oil during turning of EN-31 using cemented carbide tools. The concentration of solid lubricants in oil is varied to analyze output parameters such as surface roughness, process temperature, power consumption and tool wear.
Design/methodology/approach
EN 31 steel material is machined at various cutting speeds and constant feed and depth of cut to determine the effects of dry, wet and solid lubricant assisted machining.
Findings
Experimental study revealed that the solid lubricants performed better while machining and therefore it may be considered as environment friendly and cost effective way of lubrication as compared to flood cooling.
Research limitations/implications
The work can be extended to identify the effects of solid lubricants on micro hardness and cutting force.
Practical implications
From the findings of the work, solid lubricants may be considered as suitable choice as compared to fluid cooling because it improves process performance without much affecting the environment and worker’s health.
Originality/value
So far the use of solid lubricants in machining is limited. The results of the work will be useful to explore various efficient way to apply solid lubricants.
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Dhaval B. Shah, Kaushik M. Patel and Ruchik D. Trivedi
The purpose of this paper is to describe a method permitting the creation of a realistic model of spherical roller bearing with the aim of determining contact stress and fatigue…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a method permitting the creation of a realistic model of spherical roller bearing with the aim of determining contact stress and fatigue life based on dynamic loading conditions. The paper also aims to recognize the effect of tolerance values on contact stress and fatigue life. Motion and load transmission in spherical roller bearing occurs within the assembly by elliptical curved contacting surfaces. The stress produced by the transmitted load would be very high because of least contacting area between these surfaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes a methodology to determine contact stress using analytically as well as finite element method for spherical roller bearing. The comparison for the both each approach for contact stress at different loading condition is carried out. Prediction of fatigue life based on dynamic loading conditions for bearing is also determined using finite element model. The effect on induced contact stress and fatigue life by varying tolerances on inner race dimensions have been found out.
Findings
The paper suggests that the maximum stress produces at the start or end of the contacting arc under static loading condition in spherical roller bearing. The analytical and finite element approach is in good agreement. The fatigue life prediction is useful for selecting loading conditions for various applications of double row spherical roller bearing. Tolerance level at inner ring raceway radius is kept high because of manufacturing constrain of complex curvature geometric shape.
Research limitations/implications
The present approach does not consider dynamic loading conditions for contact stress analysis. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to analyze the effect of wear, lubrication and other tribological aspects on bearing life.
Originality/value
The paper includes determination of contact stress and prediction of fatigue life for spherical roller bearing using analytical as well as finite element approach. The tolerance values at inner race are identified as per manufacturing constraint based on contact stress and fatigue life.
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Ninh Nguyen, Steven Greenland, Antonio Lobo and Hoang Viet Nguyen
This paper aims to address gaps in the sustainable technology literature by evaluating the demographics of energy efficient appliance consumption in Vietnam. Sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address gaps in the sustainable technology literature by evaluating the demographics of energy efficient appliance consumption in Vietnam. Sustainable technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address environmental problems such as air quality and climate change. Opportunity is the greatest in emerging markets, where population growth has triggered dramatic rises in electricity consumption. However, their adoption of energy efficient appliances has been slow and understanding why is limited.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a literature review, a questionnaire was designed to capture sustainable consumption attitudes and behaviours. In total, 682 interviews were conducted among Vietnamese electrical appliance consumers to investigate the influence of demographics on sustainable technology consumption.
Findings
While many respondents were aware of the sustainable benefits of energy efficient appliances, this did not generally translate into responsible purchase behaviour. Of the demographic variables, education had the strongest relationship with sustainability. Those with higher incomes and more children were also more likely to exhibit sustainable consumption attitudes and behaviours. Gender and age were weaker sustainability predictors.
Originality/value
This study is relevant to a wide range of sustainable technology contexts. The literature shows contrary findings regarding relationships between demographics and sustainable consumption, and the value of demographics to sustainable consumer segmentation and targeted behaviour change campaigns has been contested by some researchers. This research highlights education as the most significant demographic predictor of sustainable consumption and reveals the consistency of this finding with many other studies. The implications of this for promoting future sustainability are discussed.
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Mihir Patel and Darshak Arunbhai Desai
The purpose of this paper is to capture the status of implementation of Six Sigma in various manufacturing industries and also examine the success of the Six Sigma by using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to capture the status of implementation of Six Sigma in various manufacturing industries and also examine the success of the Six Sigma by using different performance indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of critical review involves the selection and classification of 112 research articles on the implementation of Six Sigma in different manufacturing industries. The selected articles are categorized by the following: articles distribution based on the year of publication, publication database, various journals, contribution of authors, continent, scale of industry, implemented approaches, focused industry, tools and techniques used in phases of Six Sigma methodology, and performance indicators used in Six Sigma implementation. Then after, future scopes of research opportunities are derived based on significant findings.
Findings
The literature revealed that: Very few work was undertaken on the implementation of Six Sigma in various manufacturing industries like ceramic, paper, gems and jewelry, cement, furniture, stone, fertilizer, forging, paper and surface treatment industries. Most of the researchers have considered very few performance indicators to identify the improvement after Six Sigma implementation. But, there is no clue regarding overall improvement in different perspectives after the implementation of Six Sigma. The financial indicators, personnel indicators, process indicators and customer indicators are useful to measure the overall improvement after the implementation of Six Sigma in the manufacturing sector.
Research limitations/implications
The study was carried out on the implementation of Six Sigma methodology in various manufacturing industries, and various performance indicators were identified while implementing the Six Sigma methodology. Case studies pertaining to service industries were not covered here.
Originality/value
Very little research has been carried out to measure the overall success of implementing Six Sigma methodology in manufacturing industries. This paper will provide value to students, researchers and practitioners of Six Sigma by providing insight into the implementation of Six Sigma in manufacturing industries.
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Pallavi Dogra, Arun Kumar Kaushik, Prateek Kalia and Arun Kaushal
Digital technologies emerged as innovative avenues for launching new products, advertising brands, increasing customer awareness and thus leaving a remarkable impact on the online…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital technologies emerged as innovative avenues for launching new products, advertising brands, increasing customer awareness and thus leaving a remarkable impact on the online marketplace. The present study analyzed the effects of crucial antecedents of AR interactive technology on customers' behavior toward AR-based e-commerce websites.
Design/methodology/approach
Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data from 357 iGen respondents aged 16–22 years; residing in New Delhi and the NCR region of India and examined using the structural equation modeling technique.
Findings
Results revealed that technology anxiety and virtuality significantly influence customers' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward AR-based e-commerce websites. However, interactivity and innovativeness remain non-significant. Additionally, non-significant moderating effects were identified for the moderators, i.e. trust and need for touch. At the same time, gender has a significant moderating effect only for the association between technology anxiety and attitude toward AR-based e-commerce websites.
Research limitations/implications
The study summarizes numerous theoretical and managerial implications for AR-based website designers and policymakers, followed by the crucial limitations and directions for future research.
Originality/value
The present research provides a significant understanding of the e-commerce industry by providing valuable insights about young iGen consumers' perceptions of AR-based e-commerce websites.
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Vishal R. Mehta and Mayur P. Sutaria
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of temperature, load and sliding speed on wear and friction behavior of LM25/SiC composites in as-cast and heat-treated…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of temperature, load and sliding speed on wear and friction behavior of LM25/SiC composites in as-cast and heat-treated conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
The LM25/SiC aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were prepared using the stir casting process. The wear tests were carried out using a pin-on-disc setup in dry condition. The three levels of each parameter, i.e. 100, 150 and 200°C operating temperature; 15, 25 and 35 N load; 0.8, 1.6 and 2.4 m/sec sliding speed, were considered for the investigation. ANOVA has been carried out to evaluate the percentage contribution of parameters. Scanning electron microscope analysis of worn surfaces has been carried out to understand the wear mechanism.
Findings
The wear and coefficient of friction (COF) increase with the increase in the temperature, load and sliding speed within a selected range for as-cast as well as heat-treated LM25/SiC AMCs. The mean values of wear and COF in heat-treated samples were found to be lower than as-cast samples for all cases. It was observed that the percentage wear increases significantly as temperature increases in as-cast AMCS. Mild to severe wear transition was observed at 150°C. In heat-treated AMCs, mild wear was observed irrespective of temperature. It was also observed that as the temperature increases, transition of wear mechanism from abrasive to adhesive (including delamination) occurs earlier in as-cast samples as compared to heat-treated samples.
Originality/value
There is a lack of data on combined effect of temperature, load and sliding speed on tribological aspects of as-cast and heat-treated LM25/SiC AMCs, limiting its applications. The present research work has addressed this gap.
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Darshak A. Desai, Jiju Antony and M.B. Patel
The purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of Six Sigma status in Indian industry, especially to highlight critical success factors (CSFs…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the results from an empirical investigation of Six Sigma status in Indian industry, especially to highlight critical success factors (CSFs) of Six Sigma implementation in a developing economy like India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on survey questionnaire suitable for Indian industries. The results of the study are based on descriptive statistics.
Findings
The results of this exploratory empirical study reflect the impact of different CSFs of Six Sigma implementation in different sizes and sectors of Indian industries.
Research limitations/implications
The major constraints of the study were the number of companies surveyed as well as time and budget. Moreover, a detailed impact of different CSFs of Six Sigma implementation in Indian industry by means of semi‐structured interviews could not be executed due to above constraints.
Originality/value
Very little research has been carried out exploring the status of CSFs of Six Sigma implementation in Indian industries. This paper will provide value to academics, researchers and practitioners of Six Sigma by way of providing insight into the CSFs for Six Sigma implementation, especially in Indian industries.
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Dilip Kaushik and Ujjal Mukherjee
This paper aims to review the existing body of knowledge on high-performance work systems (HPWS) with a special focus on the recent developments that strengthen its prevalence…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the existing body of knowledge on high-performance work systems (HPWS) with a special focus on the recent developments that strengthen its prevalence. Considering the current business ecosystem, the author proposes two more characteristics of HPWS which will add value to the literature. It also aims to propose several gaps in the literature considering the role of HPWS in the organization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a systematic literature review methodology to strengthen the concept, its connection with people and organization, theoretical underpinnings and intervening mechanisms that have not received much attention. The information collected from various studies was analyzed thematically and synthesized to assess the existing body of literature. For a better understanding of HPWS, the review is organized under the following subthemes: definition and meaning, conceptualization, technology infusion, relationship with people and organization, theories commonly used and positives and negative consequences of HPWS.
Findings
This study identifies and describes key characteristics of HPWS such as system, synergistic effect, performance and proposes two new characteristics – agility and adoption of technology. Further findings of this study indicate that HPWS has both positive and negative influences on employee outcomes. The positive outcome helps in the development of human capital that provides a competitive advantage to the organization. The study also underlines some negative influences of HPWS on employee behavior due to the misalignment of HR practices. Scope for further research is also provided for future researchers.
Originality/value
The paper adds the recent developments in the area of HPWS literature and proposes research directions for future researchers.
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