Ruth Dede Adikorley, Lori Rothenberg and Aaron Guillory
The purpose of this study is to explore Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project and program success in the textile and apparel industry. This paper presents depictions of LSS implementations…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project and program success in the textile and apparel industry. This paper presents depictions of LSS implementations and the resulting economic impact for a textile company.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach consisting of a single descriptive case study and project document reviews was used. This method provided an in-depth view into what LSS means for one medium-sized global textile company and how it has proven important to the company’s success.
Findings
Three successful projects, two on changeover time reduction and one on metal contamination, were completed. Additional findings from this study suggest that strategic partnerships with other high-performing companies and storytelling are two critical success factors. Also, it is critical for management to convey a clear vision for LSS that can be operationalized within a company for successful deployment of LSS textile projects.
Research limitations/implications
The findings from this case study cannot be generalized.
Originality/value
The literature on LSS in small- and medium-sized businesses is limited. The literature on the use of LSS in the textile and apparel industry is even more limited. This paper shows various processes within the textile complex where LSS has been deployed successfully, yielding economic impacts. By using qualitative methods, the value of strategic partnerships, storytelling and a vision was seen.
Details
Keywords
This chapter centers the investigation and findings of a participatory action research (PAR) study designed and implemented by four language arts teachers in Albuquerque, New…
Abstract
This chapter centers the investigation and findings of a participatory action research (PAR) study designed and implemented by four language arts teachers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Using collaborative inquiry as a means of interrogating personal text selection practices for diverse groups of Albuquerque students, the teachers involved in this study came to understand their text selection as an ongoing struggle among historical traditions in the teaching of English, current critical perspectives within that field, and their own early experiences with literature. The findings of this PAR study emphasize the importance of using community-based research as a means of exercising teacher intellectual autonomy as well as the responsibility of practicing language arts teachers to investigate and reflect on text selection.