Exploration and Mitigation of Green Lean Six Sigma Barriers: A Higher Education Institutions perspective

Purpose-The study aims to identify Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) barriers in the context of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and prioritize them for executing the GLSS approach. Design/methodology/approach-A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify a total of fourteen barriers, which were then verified for greater relevance by the professional judgments of industrial personnel. Moreover, many removal measures strategies are also recommended in this study. Furthermore, this work also utilizes Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) to prioritize the identified GLSS barriers. Findings-The study reveals that Training and education, continuous assessment of SDG, organizational culture, resources and skills to facilitate implementation, and assessment of satisfaction and welfare of the employee are the most significant barriers to implementing this approach. Research limitations/implications-The present study provides an impetus for practitioners and managers to embrace the GLSS strategy through a wide-ranging understanding and exploring these barriers. In this case, the outcomes of this research, and in particular the GRA technique presented by this work, can be used by managers and professionals to rank the GLSS barriers and take appropriate action to eliminate them. Practical implications-The ranking of GLSS barriers gives top officials of higher education institutes a very clear view to effectively and efficiently implementing GLSS initiatives. The outcomes also show training and education, sustainable development goals, and organizational culture as critical barriers. The findings of this study provide an impetus for managers, policymakers, and consultants to embrace the GLSS strategy through a wide-ranging understanding and exploring these barriers. Societal implications-The GLSS barriers in HEIs may significantly affect the society. HEIs can lessen their environmental effect by using GLSS practices, which can support sustainability initiatives and foster social responsibility. Taking steps to reduce environmental effect can benefit society as a whole. GLSS techniques in HEIs can also result in increased operational effectiveness and cost savings, which can free up resources to be employed in other areas, like boosting student services and improving educational programs. However, failing to implement GLSS procedures in HEIs could have societal repercussions as well. As a result, it's critical for HEIs to identify and remove GLSS barriers in order to advance sustainability, social responsibility, and operational effectiveness. Originality/value-GLSS is a comprehensive methodology that facilitates the optimum utilization of resources, reduces waste, and provides the pathway for sustainable development so, the novelty of this study stands in the inclusion of its barriers and HEIs to prioritize them for effective implementation

Applications of lean thinking: a briefing document

This report has been put together by the Health and Care Infrastructure Research and Innovation Centre (HaCIRIC) at the University of Salford for the Department of Health. The need for the report grew out of two main simple questions, o Is Lean applicable in sectors other than manufacturing? o Can the service delivery sector learn from the success of lean in manufacturing and realise the benefits of its implementation?The aim of the report is to list together examples of lean thinking as it is evidenced in the public and private service sector. Following a review of various sources a catalogue of evidence is put together in an organised manner which demonstrates that Lean principles and techniques, when applied rigorously and throughout an entire organization/unit, they can have a positive impact on productivity, cost, quality, and timely delivery of services

A lean six sigma framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector

This article aims to explore synergies between Lean Production (LP) and Six Sigma principles in order to propose a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector. The Three-Dimensional LSS Framework seeks to provide various combinations about the integration between LP principles, DMAIC cycle and PDCA cycle to support operations management needs. Design/methodology/approach - The research method is composed of two main steps: (i) diagnostic of current problems and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of LP and Six Sigma; and (ii) analysis of the application of the construct through semi-structured interviews with leaders from oil and gas companies to assess and validate the proposed framework. Findings - As a result, a conceptual framework of LSS is developed contemplating the integration of LP and Six Sigma and providing a systemic and holistic approach to problemsolving through continuous and incremental improvement in the oil and gas sector. Originality/value - This research is different from previous studies because it integrates LP principles, DMAIC and PDCA cycles into a unique framework that fulfils a specific need of oil and gas sector. It presents a customized LSS framework that guides wastes and costs reduction, while enhances quality and reduces process variability to elevate efficiency in operations management of this sector. The paper type is an original research that present new and original scientific findings.N/

The role of logistics in enhancing competitive advantage in global logistics organization

Abstract: Customer demands and increased competition create significant complexity for logistics organizations. Global logistics organizations are seeking the advantage of cost management, increased productivity and competitiveness. Companies that want to remain in business have to respond strategically and to fulfill the needs of customers. The objectives of the study are to determine the role of logistics in a global organization and to determine the relationship between applying continuous improvement and adoption of technology in enhancing competitive advantage in logistics. The study commences with a literature review to explore improvement methodologies and the adoption of information technology in logistics. The literature study discussed Value Stream Mapping as a lean tool and simulation as a tool to aid in decision making. The study narrowed to the warehouse operation of a global logistics organization...M.Phil. (Engineering Management

A Framework To Align Strategy, Improvement Performance, And Customer Satisfaction Using An Integration Of Six Sigma And Balanced

This dissertation investigated the development, implementation, and evaluation of a management methodology founded on the alignment among the strategy, performance, and customer to bring value to any organization. A case study/action research in a service organization, called Institution Z, provided the opportunity to assess the effects of the proposed Six Sigma Scorecard (SSS) methodology in the productivity indicators (measured by cycle time, line capacity, and number of errors). The Case study/action research was conducted in three phases: Model and Concepts Design, Data Collection, and Findings. During the research, validity was pursued by using triangulation and theory to help maintain the case under research control. The observation of the SSS methodology in a real organization allowed the researcher to describe the merging process between Balanced Scorecard and Six Sigma methodology and their relationships to each other. The SSS methodology allowed identification of improvement projects that contribute to organizational strategy, implementation of strategies and provide feedback to the top level of management establishing alignment at three organizational levels - corporate, business, and functional. The results of the implementation of the SSS methodology in Institution Z showed a 40% improvement of the cycle time of the auto credit process, a 500% increase in the capacity of the process, and 65% decrease in the number of non-added value activities. During the same period of time, the BSC indicators showed a positive impact, specifically one financial indicator known as Level of Intermediation or GIC grew from 30% to 42% as it was expected by the end of the SSS implementation. The demonstration of the SSS framework in a Case study justifies the need for a combined methodology that aligns strategy, performance improvement and organizational outputs in a feedback loop. More research in this area is needed, especially investigations that include assessment studies where different management approaches are used alone and combined with strategic tools, and investigations that measure the relationship between level of coherence in the three merging points of the SSS and the results reached at the performance of the organization

Quality management system for building maintenance

Quality management (QM) is viewed as concepts, principles, or practices within which prescriptive views and empirical facts play roles in constructing and operating the industry to improve the performance. The growth of Building Maintenance (BM) as a proportion of the construction industry’s output has led to increasing awareness of the need to manage buildings effectively. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the cost of construction projects in Riyadh City 2014 is around SR 181 billion, and that figure does include the operation and maintenance projects that cost SR 10 billion in 2014. However, this segment of the industry faces several challenges in the Kingdom. This work draws on five Quality Management Concepts (QMCs) (Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, Lean Management, Lean Six Sigma, and ISO 9001) to underpin the research principles, methodology, and implementation. From this research, The primary aim of this research is to investigate the Quality Management System (QMS) required to improve Saudi public Building Maintenance (BM) practices through the implementation of the most suitable and effective Quality Management Concepts (QMCs). The nature of BM is examined in detail in the literature review, to ensure the subsequent collection of appropriate knowledge and information from the empirical interviews and focus group discussions. The first qualitative exercise relates to interviews conducted to collect information to examine the current BM processes in public departments, with a view to ascertaining underlying problems and assess awareness and implementation of QMCs. This was followed by a second qualitative technique, the focus group, intended to explore the most suitable and effective QMCs for implementation in BM departments. After that, the QMS was developed and then validated by focus group method a second time. In this study, thematic analysis is used for both qualitative methods. The most significant problems facing the public BM sector were identified and then categorised into three major groups: (1) top management problems, (2) human resource problems, and (3) technical problems. The main results of the study emphasise that ISO 9001 is the most suitable foundation for quality management of BM and it is found to be an effective baseline on which the BM process can be improved. It was established that there should be specific guidelines for QM in BM (quality management system) which have been developed in this research. The QMS is customised to provide the information required to improve current practices in BM industry. It was confirmed by the evaluation and validation that the developed quality management system can generate positive outcomes, lead to better management, clear responsibilities and improve communication

Principles in Patterns (PiP) : Institutional Approaches to Curriculum Design Institutional Story

The principal outputs of the PiP Project surround the Course and Class Approval (C-CAP) system. This web-based system built on Microsoft SharePoint addresses and resolves many of the issues identified by the project. Generally well received by both academic and support staff, the system provides personalised views, adaptive forms and contextualised support for all phases of the approval process. Although the system deliberately encapsulates and facilitates existing approval processes thus achieving buy-in, it is already achieving significant improvements over the previous processes, not only in reducing the administrative overheads but also in supporting curriculum design and academic quality. The system is now embedded across three faculties and is now considered by the University of Strathclyde to be a "core institutional service". Alongside the C-CAP system the PiP Project also cultivated a suite of approaches: an incremental systems development methodology; a structured and replicable evaluation approach, and; Strathclyde's Lean Approach to Efficiencies in Education Kit (SLEEK) business process improvement methodology Each is based on recognised formal techniques, providing the basis for a rigorous approach. This is contextualised within and adapted to the HE institutional context thus building the foundation not only for the project but ultimately for institution wide process improvement. This "institutional story" report summarises the principal outcomes of the Project

The development and evaluation of a lean six sigma advanced manufacturing methodologies course for aeronautical engineering technology curriculum

Successful completion of the Lean Six Sigma advanced manufacturing methodologies practicum course provides undergraduate Aeronautical Engineering Technology (AET) students with the experience and knowledge appropriate to perform successfully in an advanced manufacturing environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine (a) Did the knowledge level of AET students increase following exposure to Lean Six Sigma and completion of the advanced manufacturing methodologies course? and (b) Did the course meet the AET students’ expectations following participation in the Lean Six Sigma advanced manufacturing course? The expected outcomes of the course included: 1. AET students will have the competencies to utilize required advanced manufacturing processes to operate a manufacturing facility. 2. AET students will have the ability to utilize advanced process quality planning methods to implement a quality program in a manufacturing facility. 3. AET students will have the knowledge and experience required to effectively implement supply chain management techniques and logistic programs in a manufacturing facility. 4. An effective continuous improvement process will be utilized and promoted throughout the curriculum. Currently, students are using the lab space in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (SATT) to perform practical hands-on projects related to their aviation major. This study required undergraduate AET students to receive instruction in logistics, quality, and manufacturing terms and descriptions. Students utilized the information learned and basic lean manufacturing and continuous improvement philosophies to complete course projects. The course projects included a focus on transforming the School’s powerplant laboratory into a more typical aerospace manufacturing cell layout, enabling students to explore ways of operating an advanced manufacturing facility. Students in the advanced aviation manufacturing course developed and implemented manufacturing simulations. This study focused on developing a world-class course utilizing an operating laboratory facility to prepare future aviation manufacturing professionals with industry leading skill sets. This study was used to gather data for the development and evaluation of a Lean Six Sigma advanced manufacturing course with future goals of scaffolding with other SATT courses to provide a minor for the AET curriculum in advanced aviation manufacturing. The findings of the study indicated that student knowledge levels of Lean Six Sigma methodologies increased significantly after receiving instruction. Additional findings of the study revealed that students felt the course met their expectations. However, due to several limitations of this study, further research is recommended in focused areas to provide students the tools to compete in the aviation and advanced manufacturing world

Lean towards learning: connecting Lean Thinking and human resource management in UK higher education

From its origins in the automotive industry, Lean Thinking is increasingly being seen as a solution to problems of efficiency and quality in other industries and sectors. In recent years attempts have been made to transfer Lean principles and practice to the higher education sector with indications of mixed consequences and debate over its suitability. This paper contributes to the debate by drawing evidence from thirty-four interviews conducted across two UK universities that have implemented Lean in some of their activities and we pay particular attention to the role of the HR function in facilitating its introduction. The findings suggest there are problems in understanding, communicating and transferring Lean Thinking in the higher education context; that, despite HR systems being vital facets of Lean, HR professionals are excluded from participation; and that as a consequence the depth and breadth of Lean application in the two institutions is very limited