18 comparative aspects between Lean and Six Sigma Complementarity and implications
Purpose – This paper aims to presents a conceptual comparative analysis of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, highlighting 18 critical aspects between such approaches and their respective implications for management decision-making. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative approach based on the resu...
Saved in:
Published in | International journal of lean six sigma Vol. 6; no. 2; pp. 161 - 175 |
---|---|
Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
01.06.2015
|
Online Access | Get full text |
Cover
Loading…
Summary: | Purpose
– This paper aims to presents a conceptual comparative analysis of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, highlighting 18 critical aspects between such approaches and their respective implications for management decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
– Qualitative approach based on the results obtained from literature review about Lean and Six Sigma.
Findings
– The main points of divergence between Lean and Six Sigma have been highlighted based on 18 criteria. Seventeen criteria are proposed as a result of a review of the literature and one criterion, and “quality control”, is suggested by the authors.
Research limitations/implications
– This article mitigates the literature gap regarding whether and how Lean and Six Sigma are synergistic approaches.
Practical implications
– This study enables decision-makers to evaluate the Lean and Six Sigma practices. The results of the analysis performed originated three observations: first, both approaches are predominantly complementary; second, it is possible to create a single model integrating both approaches studied in this research; and third, when Lean is implemented as stand-alone approach, it falls short of specific tools to leverage its full potential according to the complexity of the problem under consideration.
Originality/value
– This paper analyzes which aspects from Lean and Six Sigma can be learnt from organizational change and productivity improvement efforts. The analysis includes a comparison of 18 critical aspects for practical use of Lean and Six Sigma. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 2040-4166 |
DOI: | 10.1108/IJLSS-05-2014-0012 |