A directed content analysis of viewpoints on the changing patterns of Lean Six Sigma research

Research at Heriot-Watt University has shown that Lean researchers are less likely to integrate Six Sigma into their work. The study was carried out via a set of questions in the form of semi-structured interviews with 25 Lean and Six Sigma experts in the field from 16 countries which included LSS Master Black Belts, Lean Research Scholars, Six Sigma/LSS Research Scholars and practitioners of Lean. Most respondents agreed that Lean researchers are less likely to incorporate Six Sigma into their work than vice versa. What is clear from the views of the 25 experienced and respected academics and practitioners who participated in this survey is that they do not view LSS as a static methodology that may be replaced by any currently unforeseen methodology. Although the sample size in our study was limited to 25 experts in our initial study, we have now expanded the sample size to over 40 and the early findings concur with what we are reporting here. The consensus view of 24 of the 25 respondents was that Lean and Six Sigma are complementary and are stronger when deployed together with a practical theme developing that suggests each methodology contains different set of tools that can be applied according to the problem being tackled. For more information about the study, please download a free copy from the following link:

https://lnkd.in/gNaxB2u

Regards

Professor Antony, LSS Master Black Belt

Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, UK



Alessandro Laureani

COO | OPEX | Lean Six Sigma | Agile | Scrum | Project Management | Process Improvement | Business Transformation | Customer Experience

5y

An interesting paper to illustrate the current status of the integration of Lean and Six Sigma. Ultimately, both are part of the toolbox for Operational Excellence professionals, and can be used appropriately depending on the problem at hand. The ultimate success of an overall deployment in an organization is more likely being determined from leadership and cultural aspects tough, more than from the specific techniques used. Looking forward to the next iteration of this paper, as sample size increases over time and new trends may be uncovered.

Shruti Raval

Assistant Professor at Dharmsinh Desai University

5y

This research give exact direction to future research in this field. We always appreciate your substantial contribution.

Ayon Chakraborty

Associate Professor/Lean Six Sigma Black Belt/Circular Economy Researcher/ Project Management

5y

Good to see another piece of good research from you Jiju. Somewhere I also feel that more statistical tools in Six Sigma deter Lean practitioners. But on the other hand service organisations use more softer tools of Six Sigma compared to manufacturing. Thus it will be really great to see more responses and diversification into manufacturing and service. Look forward to further insights from this work.

Professor Alireza Shokri

Professor of digital supply chain and operations excellence and Director of the Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence

5y

Thanks Jiju for this; I am sure this research will be very useful for the future research studies.

Professor Alireza Shokri

Professor of digital supply chain and operations excellence and Director of the Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence

5y

Very interesting finding; I totally agree with Leo; for such a valuable integration of both Lean and Six Sigma, there is clear proven evidence that these two complement each other, especially looking at broader lens of strategic business environment. For me, it looks to be due to either lack of knowledge and/or politics and fear factor. Of course, there might be some limitations of both that could be detrimental to this integration; e.g. too much statistical focus of Six Sigma that can make it less attractive for lean practitioners and researchers, as Leo mentioned. Would love to know more about further finding of this, especially in relation to experiential, research method and country contexts.  

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