An investigation and implementation framework of Lean Green and Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies for the manufacturing industry in India

Abstract

Purpose

The Indian manufacturing sector currently contributes 16–17% to gross domestic product (GDP) and gives employment to around 12% (2014) of the country's workforce. Among the various initiatives planned under Atma Nirbhar Bharat and “Make in India”, the Indian government aims to increase the share of the manufacturing sector to country's GDP to 25% by 2025. To ensure sustainable growth of the Indian manufacturing industries in global market, successful and implementation of strategies such as lean manufacturing, green manufacturing along with six sigma are crucial. This research aims at identification and analysis of barriers to successful implementation of integrated Lean Green Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an evaluative literature review and expert's opinion, this research identifies 18 barriers to lean, green and six sigma implementation in the manufacturing industry in India. The inter-relationships among the barriers is identified using an integrated approach of ISM (interpretive structural modelling) and Fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC).

Findings

ISM helps to derive key managerial insights and implementation plan based on the identified inter-relationships among the barriers. Fuzzy MICMAC analysis classifies the barriers into four categories, namely, autonomous, driver, dependent and linkage to understand their relative impact on the implementation of LG&SS practices in the Indian manufacturing industry. “Lack of cooperation and mutual trust between management and employees”, “The scarcity of time and work pressure”, “lack of continuous improvement work culture” and “lack of cooperation from suppliers” that forms the top most level of the model. “Weak legislation” is a highly significant barrier to LG&SS implementation in the Indian manufacturing industries.

Practical implications

It is expected that the findings of this research will help the Indian manufacturing industry to derive a sustainable competitive advantage through an effective implementation of LG&SS practices.

Originality/value

This study can be seen as the first attempt in investigating barriers to successful implementation of lean, green and six sigma strategies in the Indian manufacturing industries using ISM and fuzzy MICMAC analysis.

Citation

Gandhi, J., Thanki, S. and Thakkar, J.J. (2021), "An investigation and implementation framework of Lean Green and Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies for the manufacturing industry in India", The TQM Journal, Vol. 33 No. 8, pp. 1705-1734. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-12-2020-0289