TR Sreeram and Asokan Thondiyath
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a combined framework for system design using Six Sigma and Lean concepts. Systems Engineering has evolved independently and there are numerous tools and techniques available to address issues that may arise in the design of systems. In the context of systems design, the application of Six Sigma and Lean concepts results in a flexible and adaptable framework. A combined framework is presented here that allows better visualization of the system-level components and their interactions at parametric level, and it also illuminates gaps that make way for continuous improvement. The Deming’s Plan-Do-Check-Act is the basis of this framework. Three case studies are presented to evaluate the application of this framework in the context of Systems Engineering design. The paper concludes with a summary of advantages of using a combined framework, its limitations and scope for future work.
Design/methodology/approach
Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering approaches combined into a framework for collaborative product development.
Findings
The present framework is not rigid and does not attempt to force fit any tools or concepts. The framework is generic and allows flexibility through a plug and play type of implementation. This is important, as engineering change needs vary constantly to meet consumer demands. Therefore, it is important to engrain flexibility in the development of a foundational framework for design-encapsulating improvements and innovation. From a sustainability perspective, it is important to develop techniques that drive rationality in the decisions, especially during tradeoffs and conflicts.
Research limitations/implications
Scalability of the approach for large systems where complex interactions exist. Besides, the application of negotiation techniques for more than three persons poses a challenge from a mathematical context. Future research should address these in the context of systems design using Six Sigma and Lean techniques.
Practical implications
This paper provides a flexible framework for combining the three techniques based on Six Sigma, Lean and Systems Engineering.
Social implications
This paper will influence the construction of agent-based systems, particularly the ones using the Habermas’s theory of social action as the basis for product development.
Originality/value
This paper has not been published in any other journal or conference.
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Keywords
Pramod Kumar, Dharmendra Singh and Jaiprakash Bhamu
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate an extended Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) based framework through a case study of an Indian fasteners manufacturing organization.
Design/methodology/approach
Research methodology is established on the development of the existing DMAIC framework through an extensive literature review of 25 LSS/DMAIC based frameworks and discussions held with practitioners. This paper also depicts a case study of Indian manufacturing organization for validation of the developed framework.
Findings
The study proposed an extended DMAIC based framework for effective implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology. Furthermore, this framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian manufacturing organization and showed encouraging results. The in-house rejections of Nut Cylinder Head (NCH) were brought down to 966 from 2910 PPM and sigma level was improved by 0.40. The case organization has achieved significant improvements in the process capability, customer satisfaction, and cost savings of US$ 0.25 million in one financial year. Intangible benefits like improvements in employee's morale, communication, housekeeping and decision-making capabilities were also observed significantly.
Practical implications
The proposed DMAIC based framework has been implemented successfully in the Indian case organization, and the results will enable the policymakers, specifically practitioners, to strategically leverage the resources for successful implementation of the LSS in healthcare, aerospace, service sectors etc.
Originality/value
This research develops a DMAIC based framework which can be used to implement LSS effectively in different industries. Moreover, the pre (initial/introduction) and post (validation/verification) implementation phase provides the top management, an edge to think strategically into broader improvement areas.
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G. Citybabu and S. Yamini
The purpose of this work is to gain insights about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context by reviewing the related literature for one decade based on various perspectives…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work is to gain insights about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context by reviewing the related literature for one decade based on various perspectives, such as author profile, year of publication, type of firm, type of methodology used, type of industry for which the research work is carried out and the key findings from the research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the research related to LSS from the articles published in the reputed journals. The literature used for reviewing is derived from the sources, including Science direct, Google scholar, IEEE, Taylor and Francis Group, Emerald Insight, Springer, Inderscience and Elsevier during the period between 2010 and 2021. Totally, the authors have included 141 LSS-related research articles that are published in the Indian context. The keywords used are Lean Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma in the Indian context, Lean Sigma and LSS to identify and consolidate the research papers published during this timeframe.
Findings
The research papers collected from various reputed journals, including Scopus and non- Scopus enlisted, are classified and grouped under various categories to identify the class of author who publishes more in this field, research trend over the years, the type of firm which implements LSS, the research methodology which is commonly used in LSS and related research and also the key takeaway from these articles are highlighted. Further, the authors have also identified the major contributions of researchers in various sectors during this period in India.
Originality/value
This classification framework and the systematic review help in identifying the research gap and in giving directions for future researchers. It will be useful for researchers and practitioners working on the area of LSS, rural and urban entrepreneurs, start-up managers, professionals working in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and executives of the Make in India Project to make India as Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Further, the clear direction of progress over the current decade in manufacturing industries, service sectors and processing industries can help the professionals working in these sectors.