Challenges in applying Lean Six Sigma in higher education: insights and future directions

Swati Mathur, Lokesh Vijayvargy, Srikant Gupta and Bharti Ramtiyal

International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, 2026, vol. 13, issue 3/4, 336-358

Abstract: This study aims to contribute to the current body of literature regarding the effects of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) on the performance of higher education institutions (HEIs), comprehensively mapping the challenges and prioritising the identified challenges with the help of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique. The evidence from the previous study establishes a connection between the difficulties encountered by HEIs. This study identified the tools for implementing LSS in HEI and utilised systematic literature review (SLR) to enhance understanding by integrating information from 30 peer-reviewed journal articles in well-known academic databases/indexing agents WoS and Scopus. The findings highlight the difficulty of adapting LSS to HEIs' dynamic cultures, the gap between administrative and academic goals, resistance to change, and academics' and staff's LSS technical ignorance. This study provides valuable insights for individuals in academia and professionals interested in understanding the implementation of LSS HEIs.

Keywords: Lean Six Sigma; LSS; higher education institutes; HEIs; literature review; challenges; AHP technique. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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