Scoping review of the readiness for sustainable implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects in the manufacturing sector

Abstract

Purpose

This work presents a synthesis of current literature published from 2010 to provide an overall understanding of the sustainable implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in terms of project approaches rather than outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive and validated ten-step model was applied to conduct a scoping review with the following three broad phases: “review planning”, “review execution” and “review reporting”.

Findings

The analysis shows that while a few geographically and methodologically broad research studies have been conducted on LSS and green manufacturing integration, no studies have examined organisational culture or conducted readiness assessments on the sustainable implementation of LSS projects in the manufacturing sector.

Research limitations/implications

The present study contributes to existing knowledge by describing the current state of research on green LSS integration. The study also identifies a lack of research on the deployment of sustainable LSS projects for manufacturers. Further empirical analyses that include case studies must be conducted to assess the negative environmental impacts of LSS projects.

Originality/value

This study serves as an initial call for practitioners and research scholars to favour the sustainable deployment of LSS projects in manufacturing alongside the use of traditional approaches with a focus on costs, quality and delivery.

Citation

Shokri, A., Antony, J., Garza-Reyes, J.A. and Upton, M. (2021), "Scoping review of the readiness for sustainable implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects in the manufacturing sector", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 38 No. 8, pp. 1747-1770. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-08-2020-0261