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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.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the management models applied in the supply chain providing services in healthcare organizations, considering the lenses of lean. The aim of this is to develop a model of supply chain management focusing on the identification and minimization of waste, assisting in decision making and contributing to the quality of services and as a consequence the reduction of the costs involved in healthcare supply chain. The philosophies of continuous improvement and lean techniques have a role to play in helping healthcare to provide quality service and support to reduce costs in the current budget constraints. In the supply chain of hospitals the financial costs can be around 40% of its budget (MASOUMI et al. 2012; SOUZA et al., 2013). This article sheds light on the improvement in decision making and the effect of reducing costs in the healthcare supply chain. In this sense, the research intend to expand knowledge related to supply chain management in the area of provision of healthcare services through the use of the philosophy of continuous improvement and lean principles, helping healthcare to provide quality service within their current budget constraints.

Resumo Este artigo empírico tem como principal objetivo identificar como a inovação contribui para a conquista de vantagens competitivas numa firma produtora de suco e vinho orgânicos. Para isso, foram apresentados referenciais teóricos a respeito de inovação e vantagem competitiva. Para atingir o objetivo, metodologicamente, o estudo utilizou a abordagem exploratória qualitativa, por meio de entrevistas em profundidade realizadas com cinco gestores da firma. Os resultados permitiram analisar a introdução de inovações, especificamente de processo e de produto, refletindo-se na conquista de vantagens competitivas. Embora o segmento de alimentos orgânicos ainda tenha pequena representatividade, as perspectivas mostram, para os próximos anos, aumento na participação no total dos alimentos consumidos no país e no mundo.