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This research aims to conduct a literature review of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context and related research publications and apply bibliometric analysis and the author's visualization to map research trends in this area.

This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of LSS-related research in the Indian context using data gathered from Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2011 to 2022. The review provides information on LSS-related research in the Indian context and evaluates performance based on primary sources, authors, keywords, countries, affiliations, and documents. The analysis employs the Biblioshiny app and Bibliometrix R-tool for data analysis and scientific mapping.

The results of the bibliometric analysis indicate that the LSS culture has widely spread in India. The International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and Production Planning and Control were found to be the most productive sources for publishing LSS-related research articles. Antony J. was identified as the most active author in this field, contributing the most over the years. Among all organizations, NITs have conducted the most comprehensive research on LSS, indicating their significant investment of resources and efforts in studying this methodology and its applications in India. Additionally, the study examined the intellectual, social, and conceptual structures to identify implicit gaps and future research opportunities.

The findings of this study can inform academicians, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers about the state-of-the-art and the specifics of the most prolific studies. This study will facilitate their exploration of emerging research areas in LSS.

To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis of LSS in the Indian context, providing an overview of relevant publications published between 2011 and 2022. This study analyzed 194 articles on LSS in India, which can help researchers and academics identify emerging research areas, suitable collaborators, and relevant journals for future publications.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is often perceived as a foundation for implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0) within an organization, with the two strengthening each other in different ways. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolution, trends and motivation for merging LSS and I4.0 and to gain insights into LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors. This article also explores the effective methods for integrating and implementing LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors, along with conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of LSS 4.0.

By conducting a systematic literature review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant literature from 2010 to 2023 was reviewed using appropriate keywords and research criteria. The objective was to identify, select and evaluate research articles related to LSS 4.0. Consequently, 159 relevant papers were located in databases, including Elsevier, Taylor and Francis Group, IEEE, Springer, Emerald Insights, Scopus and non-Scopus databases. Additionally, this review aimed to understand the progress of LSS 4.0 from the manufacturing and service sector context and to perform a SWOT analysis of LSS 4.0.

This review reveals a significant surge in the literature on LSS and I4.0 over the past three years. The research articles were categorized based on various themes, including the publisher, journals, types of articles and geographical factors such as country and continent. Additionally, the review examined the progress of LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors. A SWOT analysis was also performed to identify the SWOT of LSS 4.0.

This is the first exclusive research work to conduct a SWOT analysis of LSS 4.0. This research article is highly valuable for academicians, researchers, policymakers and practitioners as it helps to identify the SWOT of LSS 4.0. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the progress of LSS 4.0 from both manufacturing and service sector perspectives, and significant case studies are discussed.

The purpose of this paper is to decrease musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) problems using a combined approach including design for Six Sigma, generic product development process, and ergonomic-safety philosophies.

A total of 550 students voluntarily participated in this study. Kolmogorov–Smirnov and t-tests were used to analyze the collected anthropometry. A cause-and-effect diagram, Pareto’s chart, a brainstorming session, and a priority matrix were also used to extract the 22 design parameters of the product. Moreover, Cronbach’s alpha values were determined to verify the validity of qualitative and quantitative data.

Results showed that students are at a high risk of developing MSD issues. The most serious MSD problems among the students were neck pain (74%), back pain (73%), muscle and joint pain (67%), knee pain (57%), leg pain (54%), etc. Besides, all anthropometrics of males are higher than females except Hip Breadth. Among 12 anthropometries, two measurements and one measurement showed statistical significance at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. Six design parameters of the mounted desktop (Seat Height, Desk Height, Seat to Desk Clearance, Seat Width, Seat Depth, and Backrest Height) are the most crucial design parameters to design and develop the product.

The proposed design of the mounted desktop can be used in different tertiary educational institutes to reduce MSDs among students.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt that introduces a combined approach to reduce MSD issues by applying Six Sigma, a generic product development process, and ergonomics-safety philosophy to design and measurement of 22 design parameters of mounted desktop for university students.

This paper aims to identify the readiness factors (RFs) required for the deployment of lean initiatives within the context of higher education (HE), a field not yet significantly explored.

This research employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to thoroughly identify and consolidate all relevant scholarly literature concerning lean practices and readiness in the context of HE. Subsequently, a three-phase Delphi study was conducted to evaluate and enhance the findings of the SLR.

The results indicate the following seven RFs for use in HE: leadership/top management, changing environment and organisational culture, lean initiatives linked with the strategic agenda of the educational institute, employee empowerment and engagement, student value, supplier relations and continuous improvement.

By identifying such factors, the present study acknowledges the strategic nature of lean and recognises that its full strategic benefits can only be realised when properly implemented at a macro-level.

The authors believe that this is the first attempt to provide a consolidated list of RFs in the context of HE validated by a group of experts. This study expands the knowledge of lean in HE contexts, benefiting both researchers and professionals. For researchers, it provides a valuable foundation for further study of the implementation of lean programs. For professionals and practitioners, it offers insights for better preparation that are crucial for the sustainability of lean initiatives leading to overall improved performance.