A new framework to support Lean Six Sigma deployment in SMEs

Carlos Abraham Moya, Daniel Galvez, Laurent Muller () and Mauricio Camargo ()
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Carlos Abraham Moya: DII - Departamento de Ingenieria Industrial [Santiago]
Daniel Galvez: DII - Departamento de Ingenieria Industrial [Santiago]
Laurent Muller: ERPI - Equipe de Recherche sur les Processus Innovatifs - UL - Université de Lorraine
Mauricio Camargo: ERPI - Equipe de Recherche sur les Processus Innovatifs - UL - Université de Lorraine

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Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose an assessment approach to evaluate the organizationalcapabilities to deploy a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, critical success factorsrequired to deploy LSS were defined. These key factors are evaluated by a questionnaire based on maturitygrids and structured as a multi-criteria model to compute a potential LSS performance indicator. Thisapproach is illustrated through two case studies.Findings – To promote a successful implementation of LSS in SMEs, it is necessary to consider five maincritical factors. The evaluation of these factors could be achieved thanks to a multi-criterion-based maturityindicator for the LSS implementation. The case studies show that this approach allows SMEs to understandtheir strengths and weaknesses and thus better prepare the implementation of LSS.Research limitations/implications – The proposed tool identifies characteristics of companies leading tosuccessful LSS implementation; but is not yet able to provide a detailed strategy to improve them. The case studieswere applied tomanufacturing companies; therefore, there is no evidence of conclusions in the context of services.Practical implications – The proposed methodology will help managers and practitioners to evaluate thereadiness level of a company to implement LSS. Then, they could estimate the effort required to achieve theLSS deployment.Originality/value – This paper proposes a new metric of the capacity to implement the LSS successfullyin SMEs: the Lean Six Sigma Global Index. This indicator is based on a survey completed by managers andsupported by observable phenomena to establish a tailored diagnosis before the LSS implementation.

Keywords: Lean Six Sigma; SMEs; AHP; Assessment tool; Maturity grid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-12-14
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.univ-lorraine.fr/hal-01959521v1
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Published in International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, inPress, 10 (1), pp.58-80. ⟨10.1108/IJLSS-01-2018-0001⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01959521

DOI: 10.1108/IJLSS-01-2018-0001

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