Title: Integration of lean, Six Sigma and theory of constraints for productivity improvement of mining industry

Authors: J. Rajini; Dega Nagaraju; S. Narayanan

Addresses: Engine System Simulation, Caterpillar INC, Chennai-600091, Tamil Nadu, India ' Centre for Innovative Manufacturing Research (CIMR), School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India ' Centre for Innovative Manufacturing Research (CIMR), School of Mechanical Engineering (SMEC), VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: In today's unstable economic conditions, achieving a sustained throughput is the prime objective of the companies. In this paper, an attempt is made on implementing the integrated concept of theory of constraints (TOC), lean and Six Sigma to get the maximum throughput which is the primary goal of TOC. An empirical model is derived to predict the organisational goal. Dynamic smart goal tracking system is developed in the proposed model. The goal of each employee or the sub-team's goal is aligned to team's overall goal with weighted ranking. Path finding to the strategic goal is decided with next high priority goal on an iterative mode. This approach aligns employee goals in line to accomplishing the organisation priority goal throughput. Vision of the organisation to sub-team gets clarity on what to be achieved. This system thinking approach, TOC philosophy enables to achieve the organisation goal in a better way.

Keywords: lean; Six Sigma; TOC; goal achievements; process improvement; integrated lean.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2018.092986

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2018 Vol.24 No.3, pp.424 - 440

Received: 19 Jan 2017
Accepted: 18 Mar 2017
Published online: 04 Jul 2018 *

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