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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2020

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou, Konstantinos E. Stergiou and Vassilis Chronopoulos

The first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of…

1033

Abstract

Purpose

The first purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing company operating in South East Europe in order to understand the importance of critical success factors (CSFs) in LSS adoption and to find out the benefits that the company gained. The second purpose is to propose a standardized toolset based on DMAIC phases, for the application of LSS in small scale projects, in order to facilitate LSS adoption by more manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the interlacement of the Yin's method about case studies and the DMAIC method for the improved deployment of LSS.

Findings

The analysis of this case study shows that the company attained to benefit financially, operationally and organizationally from the implementation of LSS. The already existing mentality of CI inside the company helped the project procedure and the application of changes and improvements fulfilling LSS adoption CSFs.

Practical implications

The paper constructs a toolset and studies the role of CSFs in order to achieve the desirable benefits in a manufacturing environment, constituting a guide for future LSS initiatives.

Originality/value

As stated by literature reviews, even though there are several papers concerning LSS implementation in the manufacturing sector, there is a need for more case studies papers, such as this one, in order to enrich the literature. In this paper, it is also the first time that a specific toolset for small scale projects is proposed based on to DMAIC which can be implemented in further LSS projects.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2022

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou and Konstantinos E. Stergiou

The purpose of this paper is the development of a reference model contributing to the identification of the retail supply chain activities that can be improved by the…

857

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the development of a reference model contributing to the identification of the retail supply chain activities that can be improved by the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives, following DMAIC steps and using proposed tools, based on contemporary technologies and best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The reference model was developed combining the existing literature knowledge about the areas of supply chain that LSS can improve and the data collected by two big retailers in Greece about their supply chain operation. The integration of two sources of information led to the modeling of the retail supply chain processes and the proposal of appropriate LSS initiatives for their improvement.

Findings

This paper aimed to detect the pain points of a retail supply chain, which can be achieved by following the steps of DMAIC and applying specific LSS initiatives as described in the reference model, to introduce the trends of the sector in terms of logistics and supply chain.

Practical implications

The reference model of this paper can be used as a comprehensive guide of LSS implementation in the retail supply chain and help the companies of such a significant sector for the economy.

Originality/value

The literature review revealed that there is a lack of publications concerning LSS implementation in retail supply chain and in the retail sector in general. The development of this model contributes to the filling of this gap by providing a complete reference model, which strives to overcome the barriers of LSS adoption in retail supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2021

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou, Konstantinos E. Stergiou and Nikolaos Panagiotou

The purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Greece in order to understand the…

1408

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Greece in order to understand the contribution of LSS in its process improvement and to identify the parameters playing a crucial role in LSS adoption by SMEs. The ability to achieve high-effect improvements without cost investment is also examined to cope with low investment margin that is a characteristic of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is based on the combination of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) phases with the Yin's method for case studies for a complete and efficient implementation and presentation of the project.

Findings

The analysis of this case study revealed that by accomplishing specific critical success factors for the fulfillment of the LSS project, the company attained important benefits by utilizing only the working hours of employees. It was also found that the improvements of LSS projects can be measured using other metrics which can indirectly be translated into monetary terms.

Practical implications

The paper can be a useful guide of how SMEs can achieve high-impact improvements with low or no investment cost utilizing LSS initiatives in small-scale projects.

Originality/value

According to the literature, there is a need for more case studies concerning LSS implementation in SMEs. Examples of how low-cost/high-effect improvement initiatives can be implemented have not been adequately presented before. The assessment of the impact of improvement initiatives with non-monetary measures is also innovative.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2020

Nikolaos A. Panayiotou and Konstantinos E. Stergiou

The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review of the literature about lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in European organizations written by academics or practitioners from European institutions to extract useful conclusions about LSS adoption in European companies and to suggest direction for future research concerning the broader LSS application in them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted by reviewing 58 papers, found in top journals, coming from European institutions that present studies of European companies and fulfill the selected inclusion criteria.

Findings

The analysis of the literature revealed the level of penetration of the LSS methodology in organizations of each European country. The study of the papers revealed the sectors and the size of companies that are more active in LSS application, the method used in each project, the tools which are deployed and the interconnection between LSS and other topics through the project implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The limited access provided by the authors’ institution only to three major publishers (Emerald, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis) and the focus of the search only in European organizations were the main limitations of this review.

Practical implications

This paper provides both academics and practitioners with valuable insights about LSS implementation in European organizations, presenting a complete analysis framework of the literature and highlighting gaps for further research.

Originality/value

An extended and detailed analysis of LSS adoption in Europe has not been conducted before. This review presents a clear view about how LSS projects in European organization have been applied so far and suggests ways of how the literature could be enriched to facilitate the LSS implementation.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2022

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

129

Abstract

Purpose:

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design:

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings:

Manufacturing subsidiary in South East Europe shows financial, operational and organizational benefits after implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) on the chocolate production lines.

Originality:

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Details

Human Resource Management International Digest , vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0967-0734

Keywords

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