An integrated Lean, Green and Six Sigma strategies

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic literature review and its analysis concerning a possible framework, compatibility, drivers and barriers for integrating three manufacturing strategies – Lean, Green and Six Sigma. In particular, analyzing current proposals and identifying the literature gaps in the existing literature from which future research directions and challenges have been suggested for developing a specific integrated framework for the Indian manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach This study explores manufacturing strategic area in depth through literature review, which will point out to the better understanding of the compatibility and impact of these initiatives through the conceptual framework, on the performance of the manufacturing organization. Findings The review of shortlisted articles indicates that Lean, Green and Six Sigma (LGSS) strategies help the manufacturing organizations to compete in global markets through the impact of a sustainability strategy for their business. Various researchers provide evidence of challenges like cost reduction, quality improvement, on-time delivery, changing needs of the customers and scarce resources that can be overcome through these strategies to achieve overall business objectives. Research limitations/implications In this research, only works of literature related to LGSS and sustainability have been studied so information related to linking between these strategies in manufacturing industries is limited. Practical implications Help the manufacturing practitioners to deploy three strategies simultaneously in an environment when the linking among LGSS methods in manufacturing industries has not been established. Hence simultaneous deployment of these three strategies helps the organization to boost its operational and environmental performance. Social implications The strategies, LGSS, will be adopted in the operational management to reduce both waste and pollution which will definitely help to society. It will highlight the need for cost effective and easy to implement solutions as well as brand building, which is one of the top incentives for LGSS, highlighting the importance of public perception of how companies operate. Originality/value An integrated framework of the LGSS will help the Indian manufacturing industries to improve performance and competitiveness in the global market.

Investigating the Theoretical Constructs of a Green Lean Six Sigma Approach towards Environmental Sustainability: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Directions

“…The year 1990 has been selected since the term "green" was first initiated in this year [69]. Further, the debate regarding lean and green relationship and their impact on environmental performance also started from this year [19,70]. Table 2 represents keywords along with their respective notations.…”

“…The relationship among these three strategies can be better understood by their inherent characteristics of customer satisfaction achieved through waste reduction and value addition [9,19]. Each strategy in GLSS approach overcomes limitations of the other strategy to provide value by identifying and removing wastes resulting in environmental sustainability [19]. Waste has a different meaning within the green, lean, and six sigma strategies.…”

“…There are numerous studies on the environmental performance achieved by utilizing these strategies separately [16][17][18]. However, there is a lack of literature on all three green, lean, and six sigma strategies as a combined holistic approach [19]. This gap is well highlighted in literature by several researchers such as Kumar et al [20], Gaikwad and Sunnapwar [19], and Cherrafi et al [21].…”

“…However, there is a lack of literature on all three green, lean, and six sigma strategies as a combined holistic approach [19]. This gap is well highlighted in literature by several researchers such as Kumar et al [20], Gaikwad and Sunnapwar [19], and Cherrafi et al [21]. A combined GLSS approach is perceived as a potential strategy for the organizations towards environmental sustainability [22] as compared to the individual strategies or any of the two strategies.…”

“…Few studies have identified the theoretical constructs of a GLSS approach such as drivers, critical success factors (CSFs), tools and techniques, barriers, and outcomes individually [2,22,24,25]. However, there is little research that addresses the above GLSS constructs as a consolidated approach in reducing environmental impacts of organizations [10,19].…”