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11 – 20 of over 46000
Article
Publication date: 7 March 2016

Basant Chaurasia, Dixit Garg and Ashish Agarwal

Today’s global business environment essential requirement to an industries reduction of wastes, reduction of variations, reduction of lead time and innovative feature quality…

1716

Abstract

Purpose

Today’s global business environment essential requirement to an industries reduction of wastes, reduction of variations, reduction of lead time and innovative feature quality product with minimum cost. That strives to improve customer satisfaction, break through strategies to solve problems with fastest process speed. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy and framework can help during recession or upcoming recession to improve business excellencies and companies strategies against recession. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper followed views of authors, industrial experts from oil industries regarding LSS strategy, framework, comparative key factors of Lean and Six Sigma to overcome continuously decline oil prices globally. LSS strategy will proactively work as preventive tool for insipid economical growth of oil-exporting countries.

Findings

To follow the LSS guidelines, oil-exporting countries can improve their business performance during ongoing oil price fall that may be influenced on gross domestic product of countries.

Originality/value

The case study may provide some help to survive ongoing crisis of continuously fallen oil price that is highly problematic for oil-exporting countries.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 65 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2021

Pramod Kumar, Dharmendra Singh and Jaiprakash Bhamu

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners…

1463

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners manufacturing organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology is established on the development of the existing DMAIC framework through an extensive literature review of 25 LSS/DMAIC based frameworks and discussions held with practitioners. This paper also depicts a case study of Indian manufacturing organization for validation of the developed framework.

Findings

The study proposed an extended DMAIC based framework for effective implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. Furthermore, this framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian manufacturing organization and showed encouraging results. The in-house rejections of Nut Cylinder Head (NCH) were brought down to 966 from 2910 PPM and sigma level was improved by 0.40. The case organization has achieved significant improvements in the process capability, customer satisfaction, and cost savings of US$ 0.25 million in one financial year. Intangible benefits like improvements in employee's morale, communication, housekeeping and decision-making capabilities were also observed significantly.

Practical implications

The proposed DMAIC based framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian case organization, and the results will enable the policymakers, specifically practitioners, to strategically leverage the resources for successful implementation of the LSS in healthcare, aerospace, service sectors etc.

Originality/value

This research develops a DMAIC based framework which can be used to implement LSS effectively in different industries. Moreover, the pre (initial/introduction) and post (validation/verification) implementation phase provides the top management, an edge to think strategically into broader improvement areas.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2021

Ibrahim Rashid Al-Taweel

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of adopting categories of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) in human resource management (HRM) in some health dispensaries…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of adopting categories of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) in human resource management (HRM) in some health dispensaries in the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It examines their impact on specific performance areas that can be measured in line with defined performance measurement criteria by adopting the approach of best practices that covers a wide range of departments, levels and processes, including those that reflect the HRM strategy's effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed descriptive-exploratory research design which explores the effect of adopting categories of HPWPs in HRM in some health dispensaries in the context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Findings

This study's findings also point to inefficient practices in uplifting organizational performance levels, such as performance-related compensation and information exchange. HPWPs contribute in achieving the institutions' goals in the employees' performance improvement their productivity in health dispensaries improvement of institutional characteristics and performance. HPWPs led to the improvement in the elements of performance, remarkable of which are: improvement in innovation level and creativity; management level improvement due to the compatibility of human resources (HR) practices with the employees' qualifications and experiences; support of the administration to these practices, individual and institutional goal achievement.

Research limitations/implications

The drawback of this analysis is that HR drivers have been listed for healthcare in Saudi Arabia. There will also be extra drivers or potential examinations. The research used expert opinions; they could modify their views in the future. Such work primarily relates to Saudi Arabia and requires validation in specific contexts. There are prospects for more research in the future, as this analysis should be used. This offers the partnership pattern for HR drivers in healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

Practical implications

The study presents practical implications to HRM of health services in Saudi Arabia. This may help to improve healthcare programme in Saudi Arabia and transforming it into a comprehensive healthcare network through which the country offers quality health coverage across various government departments. The private sector's involvement in providing healthcare services is also growing but is hampered by many HR-related concerns.

Social implications

With this study, it offers to improve the health services of Saudi Arabia for social development with regards to HRM practices. In which efficiency in healthcare ensures that the patient wants treatment in an inexpensive, secure, efficient manner because it needs it. HPWPs in HRM are examined in this research paper.

Originality/value

Despite the magnitude of the health dispensaries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the geographical expanse, it covers in rendering its practical and medical services, there is an apparent lack of full grasp on the part of managers concerning the potential role that HPHWs can play a major role in contributing to the development of health services across the board; in addition to the fact that some institutions are not desirous of changing the framework and operations of their HRM amongst healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2020

Shruti J. Raval, Ravi Kant and Ravi Shankar

The aim of this analysis is to review the Indian manufacturing organizations practicing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools/techniques with an objective of monitoring the performance of an…

1583

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this analysis is to review the Indian manufacturing organizations practicing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools/techniques with an objective of monitoring the performance of an organization and to develop recommendation for strategies to benchmark organizational operational efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers insights of the LSS performance measurement aspects of the Indian manufacturing organizations based on Data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The five inputs and two outputs are considered on the basis of literature review and discussed with the practitioners.

Findings

In this analysis, the relative efficiency score of 18 Indian manufacturing organizations has been determined in order to assist evaluation of the impact of monetary investment on the outputs. The present analysis not only investigates the optimum level of input variables but also lays down a significant observation that an organization having higher profit and inventory turnover ratio is not necessarily an efficient organization.

Practical implications

The results assist to determine the best practice units, potential source of inefficiency and deliver beneficial data for the consistent enhancement of the operational efficiency. The DEA results assist managers and decision makers to derive appropriate strategies to enhance their performance with reference to the efficient organization and to regard it as their role model.

Originality/value

This analysis renders a DEA based framework of LSS practicing Indian manufacturing organizations. The framework is unique in terms of its input-outputs variable selection and measurement procedure.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Marcel van Assen

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of process orientation at the employee level on operational performance (OP) and customer-focused performance (CP), where the…

1063

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of process orientation at the employee level on operational performance (OP) and customer-focused performance (CP), where the components process thinking by staff, process mapping (PM) and process standardization (PS) are cumulative developments, building on each other.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equations modeling is used to analyze survey data collected from 198 participants at a business school in the period 2012/2013.

Findings

The results show that the impact of process thinking by staff on both OP and CP is mediated by PM and PS and improvement. The study also shows that process thinking by staff is a prerequisite for PM and standardization.

Originality/value

This research makes several important theoretical and managerial contributions toward the objective of a better understanding of the working of process orientation. It shows that different components of process orientation reinforce each other; process orientation maturity depends on the effort being applied in creating a particular sequence of process management components and that these components should be considered as cumulative developments, building on each other.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2022

G. Citybabu and S. Yamini

The purpose of this work is to gain insights about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context by reviewing the related literature for one decade based on various perspectives…

1235

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to gain insights about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context by reviewing the related literature for one decade based on various perspectives, such as author profile, year of publication, type of firm, type of methodology used, type of industry for which the research work is carried out and the key findings from the research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the research related to LSS from the articles published in the reputed journals. The literature used for reviewing is derived from the sources, including Science direct, Google scholar, IEEE, Taylor and Francis Group, Emerald Insight, Springer, Inderscience and Elsevier during the period between 2010 and 2021. Totally, the authors have included 141 LSS-related research articles that are published in the Indian context. The keywords used are Lean Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma in the Indian context, Lean Sigma and LSS to identify and consolidate the research papers published during this timeframe.

Findings

The research papers collected from various reputed journals, including Scopus and non- Scopus enlisted, are classified and grouped under various categories to identify the class of author who publishes more in this field, research trend over the years, the type of firm which implements LSS, the research methodology which is commonly used in LSS and related research and also the key takeaway from these articles are highlighted. Further, the authors have also identified the major contributions of researchers in various sectors during this period in India.

Originality/value

This classification framework and the systematic review help in identifying the research gap and in giving directions for future researchers. It will be useful for researchers and practitioners working on the area of LSS, rural and urban entrepreneurs, start-up managers, professionals working in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and executives of the Make in India Project to make India as Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Further, the clear direction of progress over the current decade in manufacturing industries, service sectors and processing industries can help the professionals working in these sectors.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 34 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 December 2021

Magdalena Smeds

How do organisations know which problems are worthy of their attention? Despite good intentions, many attempts to solve problems fail. One reason for this failure might be because…

1251

Abstract

Purpose

How do organisations know which problems are worthy of their attention? Despite good intentions, many attempts to solve problems fail. One reason for this failure might be because of attempts to solve non-problems or to solve problems with insufficient means, a concept proposed by Deming as tampering. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a definition of tampering, outline what is currently known about possible practical implications of tampering and to suggest how to extend this knowledge by proposing an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil the purpose, a narrative literature review was conducted.

Findings

Through this review, common aspects of what constitutes tampering are identified and the following definition is proposed: Tampering is a response to a perceived problem in the form of an action that is not directed at the fundamental cause of the problem, which leads to a deterioration of the process or the process output. In addition, recommendations are generated regarding how tampering manifests itself in practice and why tampering occurs. These recommendations could be studied in future research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that suggests a revitalisation of tampering. The results presented in this paper form the basis for continued studies on how tampering in organisations can be understood, managed and prevented.

Details

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-669X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Afeez Kayode Ibikunle, Mohamad Farizal Rajemi and Fadhilah Mohd Zahari

In this paper, the implementation of lean manufacturing and six sigma practices among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable performance was investigated…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the implementation of lean manufacturing and six sigma practices among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable performance was investigated. Furthermore, intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs was also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected from 120 manufacturing SMEs across Malaysia using organization as the unit of analysis. The data were collected using the six-point Likert scale questionnaire.

Findings

Based on research findings, about 86% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs implement 6s. Nevertheless, lean and 6s has an influence on sustainable performance among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs. Only about 32.5% Malaysian manufacturing SMEs have the intention to implement IR 4.0 technologies. This study results imply that IR 4.0 technologies implementation among Malaysian manufacturing SMEs are still at infant stage though lean and 6s concept is known by the manufacturing SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for future researchers to explore application of IR 4.0 technologies among manufacturing SMEs. Therefore, there is need to create awareness about the application of IR 4.0 technologies suitable for manufacturing SMEs in order to remain sustainable for local and foreign competitors. From the perspective of system theory, there is an interconnection network across each department in a whole system. More so, sustainable performance can continuously change and improve the system in any organization.

Practical implications

From the view of SMEs policy makers, this study should be use to encourage SMEs to adopt technologically inclined practices. Accordingly, this research recommends government bodies to help support the implementation of sustainable practices due to their sizes and inadequate resources involved. Therefore, the role of government in providing suitable policies that could be beneficial to manufacturing SMEs toward achieving sustainable practices cannot be overlooked. Through proper government support, Malaysian manufacturing SMEs will be able to survive both locally and internationally and also gain competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper includes integrated effect of lean manufacturing practices and six sigma implementation among manufacturing SMEs and prioritizing implementation of IR 4.0 technologies to be executed by manufacturing SMEs.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Tony Bendell

The purpose of the paper is to review and compare six sigma and the lean organisation approaches to process improvement. The basis for combination and compatibility is evaluated…

15200

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to review and compare six sigma and the lean organisation approaches to process improvement. The basis for combination and compatibility is evaluated and a holistic approach proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The examination is based on the author's extensive practical consulting and training experience with diverse six sigma, lean and business process improvement programmes in numerous companies across Europe and worldwide, as well as theoretical development of his previous published work.

Findings

The paper contends that the current literature on the compatibility and combination of six sigma and lean is limited and disappointing when examined for a common model, theoretical compatibility or mutual content or method, but that they can be effectively combined into one system.

Research limitations/implications

The study is experience‐based and not supported by a specific‐quantitative investigation.

Practical implications

Companies pursuing six sigma and lean implementation programmes need to carefully examine how the proposed initiatives relate to each other and other initiatives before fully committing, or at least to review the programme, to enable sensible programme design and management.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on six sigma and lean programmes in practice, rather than the theoretical basis or motivationally based argument.

Details

The TQM Magazine, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-478X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Carmen Galvez, Félix de Moya‐Anegón and Víctor H. Solana

To propose a categorization of the different conflation procedures at the two basic approaches, non‐linguistic and linguistic techniques, and to justify the application of…

1323

Abstract

Purpose

To propose a categorization of the different conflation procedures at the two basic approaches, non‐linguistic and linguistic techniques, and to justify the application of normalization methods within the framework of linguistic techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents a range of term conflation methods, that can be used in information retrieval. The uniterm and multiterm variants can be considered equivalent units for the purposes of automatic indexing. Stemming algorithms, segmentation rules, association measures and clustering techniques are well evaluated non‐linguistic methods, and experiments with these techniques show a wide variety of results. Alternatively, the lemmatisation and the use of syntactic pattern‐matching, through equivalence relations represented in finite‐state transducers (FST), are emerging methods for the recognition and standardization of terms.

Findings

The survey attempts to point out the positive and negative effects of the linguistic approach and its potential as a term conflation method.

Originality/value

Outlines the importance of FSTs for the normalization of term variants.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 61 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 46000