Title: Identification of performance measures of Lean Six Sigma in small- and medium-sized enterprises: a pilot study

Authors: P.P. Shah; R.L. Shrivastava

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Acharya Shrimannarayan Polytechnic, Wardha 442001, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur 440015, India

Abstract: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a process-improvement methodology that combines the benefits of both Lean manufacturing techniques and Six Sigma to help companies streamline operations, increase value and reduce waste. This paper aims to develop and validate performance measures for LSS in Indian context by developing an instrument for facilitating the implementation process in small- and medium-scaled enterprises (SMEs) of Vidarbha region. Using a thorough synthesis of the various quality management systems (QMSs), i.e., Six Sigma, total quality management (TQM), ISO, Lean, etc. seven performance measures are identified. Using the survey methodology, the data were obtained from manufacturing as well as service industries in this region; the identified measures were subjected to appropriate statistical tests to establish reliability and validity. On the basis of statistical evaluation, which was carried out by using statistical computing software SPSS 18.0 for Windows, the developed instrument was found to be valid as well as reliable. The validated instrument of LSS factors developed here may be used by manufacturing organisations to implement LSS in SMEs, as well as prioritise their management efforts to assess and implement LSS.

Keywords: LSS implementation; lean six sigma; research instruments; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; QMS; quality management systems; performance measures; India; lean manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2013.059768

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2013 Vol.8 No.1, pp.1 - 21

Accepted: 23 May 2013
Published online: 03 Mar 2015 *

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