Title: An application of sustainable lean and green strategy with a Six Sigma approach on a manufacturing system

Authors: Shila Fatemi; Matthew J. Franchetti

Addresses: Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Department, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA ' Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Department, The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA

Abstract: The intention of this research is to study the application of sustainable lean and green strategy with a Six Sigma approach (SLGS). There are a restricted number of studies that apply lean and green strategy in a Six Sigma format. However, there is no study that consider a complete sustainable, economic, environmental and social, assessment of manufacturing cells by implementing Six Sigma approach. This research aims to investigate the application and benefits of conducting SLGS for waste and emission reduction, energy reduction, and productivity and social improvements. In this research, the steps of the new methodology are developed, and the result of the proposed methodology is assessed in a case study. The results of the study indicated that by applying SLGS methodology there will be a reduction in cost and environmental impacts.

Keywords: six sigma; lean manufacturing; green manufacturing; sustainability; manufacturing cells; cellular manufacturing; waste reduction; emissions reduction; energy reduction; productivity improvement; social improvement; environmental impact; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2016.080453

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2016 Vol.10 No.1, pp.62 - 75

Accepted: 24 Oct 2016
Published online: 23 Nov 2016 *

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