Lean Six-Sigma Approach for Sub-Contract Licensing and its Process Improvement across the Manufacturing Supply Chain using GUT Priority Matrix

Lean, six sigma and lean sigma: fads or real process improvement methods?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore if six sigma and lean are new methods, or if they are repackaged versions of previously popular methods – total quality management (TQM) and just-in-time (JIT). Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a critical comparison of lean with JIT and six sigma with TQM, a study of the measure of the publication frequency – the number of aca...

Lean, Six Sigma, and the Systems Approach: Management Initiatives for Process Improvement

As the discussion below makes clear, both lean and six sigma work best when they are implemented using the structured decision-making tools featured in the Systems Approach for Process Improvement.TM The Systems Approach enhances both lean and six sigma -and can even help integrate the two methodologies. For an explanation of how the Systems Approach is implemented, see Exhibit 1. For brief des...

Lean six sigma process improvement in specimen receiving to improve stat chemistry turnaround times

  Objective: As a consequence of stat turnaround times (TATs) chronically exceeding 60 minutes, our laboratory was facing pressure to divert limited resources toward the implementation of an emergency department satellite laboratory. Peer-reviewed literature in clinical laboratory quality assurance and improvement indicates that between 60-70% of errors occur at the pre-analytical level.  Thus...

Lean Six Sigma and the Quest for Continuous Improvement

Lean Six Sigma – a way to make the supply chain resilient and robust

Purpose – This paper discusses how Lean Six Sigma companies can work to create resilience and robustness in the supply chain. Methodology/approach – A case study in four companies with observations and face-toface interviews has been conducted. Findings – Quality tools and methods are very effective to make the supply chain processes robust and less risky. It has been indicated that Lean Six Si...