Development of an integrated framework of LGSS strategies for Indian manufacturing firms to improve business performance: an empirical study

Abstract

PurposeThis article aims to explore synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices in order to propose an integrated LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the Indian manufacturing industries. The three-dimensional LGSS framework seeks to provide various combinations and support operational, financial, environmental and social needs.Design/methodology/approachIn the research method, first, the current problems faced by Indian manufacturing industries are considered and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices, and second, the framework is checked by a survey taken from 203 Indian firms by using SPSS-AMOS.FindingsThe hypothesized result suggests that the positive impact of integrated practices on firm performance in terms of operational, financial, social and environmental outcomes. It also provides a systemic and holistic approach to problem-solving through constant and incremental enhancement in the manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, only Indian manufacturing industries have been studied but can be extending into different geographical areas and sectors. Future research is also possible for different behavior and characteristics of companies that can lead to recommending strategies on how companies can improve performance. Most importantly, future research can try to understand which specific practice can contribute to competitive advantage and business success.Practical implicationsManufacturing firms that want to improve environmental sustainability should implement integrated LGSS practices into their supply chain. The set of combined practices improves operational, social, economical and environmental benefits.Social implicationsThe research presents an integrated approach of LSS for the manufacturing industry which leads their business processes to achieve economic sustainability through continuous growth and improved operational efficiency. Manufacturing industries result in outcomes like reduced cost, lead time, improved quality, sustainable market position, profitability, customer satisfaction, etc.Originality/valueThis research is different from previous studies because it integrates Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices into a unique framework that fulfills a specific need of the Indian manufacturing sector that guides operational, social, environmental and financial issues in Indian industries.

An investigation and implementation framework of Lean Green and Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies for the manufacturing industry in India

“…Together, Green and Lean can identify waste and evaluate its environmental effect but they often do not provide an actual method/ technique to reduce waste (Garza-Reyes, 2015b). However, Six Sigma has the potential to fill up the gap by providing a methodology for process improvement (Garza-Reyes, 2015a; Gaikwad and Sunnapwar, 2020b). Moreover, according to Garza-Reyes (2015a), Lean Green and Six Sigma are complementary; therefore, each paradigm has the potential to minimize the disadvantage of each other.…”

“…Moreover, according to Garza-Reyes (2015a), Lean Green and Six Sigma are complementary; therefore, each paradigm has the potential to minimize the disadvantage of each other. Integrated LG&SS practices provide a systematic and holistic approach to problem-solving through incremental enhancement in manufacturing sectors (Gaikwad and Sunnapwar, 2020b). Integrated LG&SS strategies help manufacturing sector to compete in the global markets by adopting sustainability strategy in their business (Gaikwad and Sunnapwar, 2020a).…”

Identification of specific metrics for sustainable lean manufacturing in the automobile industries

“…Now, industries facing power shortages become a significant problem. SLM considers as strong management and manufacturing strategy for continuous improvement (Womack et al , 1990; Gaikwad and Sunnapwar, 2020). Now, researchers have analyzed further tools and techniques and its impact on operational, environmental and economic performance by elimination of waste, which impact product cost, quality and lifecycle (Negrao et al , 2017).…”

Lean-green performance management in Indian SMEs: a novel perspective using the best-worst method approach

“…It was also found that the interest and scope of implementation of integrated lean-green manufacturing system increased surprisingly as both approaches lead to reduction in waste and product cost by continuously improving the quality of products and processes (Prasad et al, 2016;Chugani et al, 2017;Govindan et al, 2015;Oliveira et al, 2018;Gupta et al, 2018). For instance, Gaikwad and Sunnapwar (2020) explored synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma (LGSS) practices and proposed a three dimensional LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the manufacturing industries. The result of the study suggested that there is a positive impact of integrated practices on firm performance in terms of operational, financial, social and environmental outcomes.…”