Title: The effects of lean production and Six Sigma on sustainable competitive advantage with moderation of suitable resources

Authors: Amir Samarrokhi; Kouroush Jenab; Philip D. Weinsier

Addresses: Dept. of Management, Multi Media University, 63100 Cyberjaya, Malaysia ' Society of Reliability Engineering-Ottawa, 812-761 Bay St., Toronto, ON, Canada ' Department of Applied Sciences, Bowling Green State University Firelands, One University Drive, Huron, OH 44839, USA

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine whether or not unique resources can play a moderating role in the effects of lean production and Six Sigma on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) and improve these effects. This was an exploratory descriptive research study and the investigation was based on a causal approach that surveyed the effects of lean and Six Sigma on sustainable competitive advantage and whether or not unique resources are able to leverage these impacts. All variables were measured by reliable and valid measures and data were analysed by bivariate correlation and multiple regression. This study showed that the effects of lean production and Six Sigma on manufacturers' sustainable competitive advantage would not be improved by applying unique resources. Although there are many studies focusing only on lean, Six Sigma, resources or sustainable competitive advantage individually, this current study revealed new guidelines that have not been mentioned previously.

Keywords: sustainable competitive advantage; SCA; unique resources; lean production; six sigma; manufacturing industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2015.068703

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2015 Vol.21 No.1, pp.112 - 125

Published online: 10 Apr 2015 *

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