Knowledge-based Lean Six Sigma maintenance system for sustainable buildings

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based (KB) system for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) maintenance in environmentally sustainable buildings (Lean6-SBM).

Design/methodology/approach

The Lean6-SBM conceptual framework has been developed using the rule base approach of KB system and joint integration with gauge absence prerequisites (GAP) technique. A comprehensive literature review is given for the main pillars of the framework with a typical output of GAP analysis.

Findings

Implementation of LSS in the sustainable building maintenance context requires a pre-assessment of the organisation’s capabilities. A conceptual framework with a design structure is proposed to tackle this issue with the provision of an enhancing strategic and operational decision-making hierarchy.

Research limitations/implications

Future research work might consider validating this framework in other type of industries.

Practical implications

Maintenance activities in environmentally sustainable buildings must take prodigious standards into consideration, and, therefore, a robust quality assurance measure has to be integrated.

Originality/value

The significance of this research is to present a novel use of hybrid KB/GAP methodologies to develop a Lean6-SBM system. The originality and novelty of this approach will assist in identifying quality perspectives while implementing different maintenance strategies in the sustainable building context.

Citation

Aldairi, J., Khan, M.K. and Munive-Hernandez, J.E. (2017), "Knowledge-based Lean Six Sigma maintenance system for sustainable buildings", International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 109-130. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLSS-09-2015-0035