Critical success factors for lean six sigma in quality 4.0

Abstract

Purpose Critical success factors (CSF) for lean six sigma (LSS) using quality 4.0 are not researched so far. This study aims to bridge this gap. It also validates CSF already identified for LSS under conventional technologies. Design methodology approach Empirical research using the questionnaire method is conducted. Construct of the questionnaire is checked using Cronbach’s alpha and responses received are analysed using t-test and exploratory factor analysis. Findings In total, 20 factors are evaluated for LSS success. It includes 7 factors related to quality 4.0 technologies and 13 related to the conventional set-up. All 7 quality 4.0 related factors were found critical; whereas, under traditional set-up, 11 factors out of 13 were found critical. Practical implications The study will help enterprises in the fast and effective adoption of quality 4.0 and seamless integration with LSS. The post-Covid-19 business scenario is expected to be information technology focussed. The findings of this study will be useful in these circumstances. Consultants and practitioners can prioritise their efforts based on newly identified CSF. The new revelation about CSF for LSS in quality 4.0 enriches theory as well. Social implications Developing skills based on newly identified CSF will help people in remaining employable in the era of automation, robotics and artificial intelligence which is otherwise ill-famed for destroying jobs. Originality value CSF for LSS using quality 4.0 is a new contribution. It differentiates CSF established earlier for conventional technologies. Moreover, many CSF are common for LSS and industry 4.0, therefore this study will also help in smoother adoption of industry 4.0/quality 4.0 in organisations.

Hierarchy of Critical Success Factors (CSF) for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in Quality 4.0

“…However, it requires meticulous planning and painstaking execution. Factors that play pivotal role in this process, are identified by Yadav et al (2021) as Critical Success Factors (CSF) for LSS using Quality 4.0 framework. Their hierarchy howbeit, is yet to be explored and is attempted in this study.…”

“…CSF for LSS use in a nonspecific business unit are also available (Laosirihongthong et al 2006;Sreedharan et al 2018). Yadav et al (2021) established 18 critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma under Quality 4.0 framework. Out of these 7 factors were exclusively applicable for Quality 4.0 framework, and 11 factors were applicable without Quality 4.0, e.g., top management commitment, LSS training, etc.…”

“…A study by Yadav et al (2021) is available on CSF for LSS using Quality 4.0 framework. The CSF identified in this study were based on responses from diversified industries.…”

“…Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is also significantly affected by Industry 4.0 (Onur and Omer 2018;Park et al 2020). Critical success factors for Lean Six Sigma under Quality 4.0 are identified by Yadav et al (2021). However, hierarchy of these factors is not established.…”

Assessing the adoption of critical success factors for lean six sigma implementation

“…On the other hand, Antony et al (2012) addressed the LSS CSFs for higher education institutions (HEIs), from which the following CSFs stand out: top management support and commitment, effective communication at all levels vertically and horizontally, strategic and visionary leadership, organizational readiness development, resources and skills to facilitate implementation, project selection and prioritization and organizational culture. Maciel-Monteon et al (2020) also developed a means to validate the CSFs for HEIs, where a similar series of factors was highlighted, and recently, Yadav et al (2021) carried out an investigation of the LSS CSFs for Quality 4.0, where they emphasized the inclusion of seven new factors related to Quality 4.0 technologies. As can be seen, CSFs are important elements in the implementation of LSS in organizations across different sectors.…”