Lean Six Sigma in Brazil: a literature review

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Brazilian context, seeking to identify its main characteristics and opportunities for future research. Design/methodology/approach This study focuses on a literature review in the area of production engineering and operations management, where 104 relevant scientific publications were identified. Findings The results show that the most important critical success factor for integrating LSS in Brazil is top management support and commitment. LSS integration occurs predominantly in large industrial companies, being incipient in small and medium-sized enterprises. In general, there is no structured way of applying LSS. A standard framework for LSS is still lacking. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a sample that only comprises Brazilian scientific studies. Practical implications Professionals and practitioners can understand the evolution of LSS through practical applications and the main LSS tools used in both the industrial and services sectors. It also points out the critical success factor for the implementation of LSS. The study highlights several roadmaps for LSS implementation adopted by large and modern Brazilian automotive industries based on a robust technological base. This study also contributes to expanding the evidence base of LSS application, both in Brazil and in other countries. Originality/value Some suggestions are proposed to clarify the structure and complexity of integrated implementation of LP and SS as well as expand the LSS application in small and medium-sized enterprises. This study is the first to discuss the current situation of LSS in Brazil and provide suggestions to expand LSS in the country. Comparisons of Brazilian LSS literature review with researches of others countries are also presented.

Green implementation of Lean Six Sigma projects in the manufacturing sector

“…At an operational level within the manufacturing sector, the LSS model aims to clarify the process of identifying opportunities, as well as reduce variability and improve the quality of the manufacturing process (Muganyi et al, 2019;Holmes, et al, 2015). By utilising the LSS five-phased systematic methodology of DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analysis, Improve, Control), integrated with five general phases of project management (initiation, planning, execution, control and closing), manufacturers can tackle their own specific problems (Walter and Paladini, 2019;Sreedharan and Sunder, 2018;Marques and Matthe, 2017;Tenera and Pinto, 2014;and Gupta, et al, 2012). One of the most crucial steps of the LSS project is to identify the customer demand or voice of the customer and translate it to a prioritised Critical to Quality (CTQ) metric (Tenera andPinto, 2014 andLighter, 2014) that serves as the outcome variable.…”

Lean Six Sigma in Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review

“…Lean and Six Sigma are the two most important continuous improvement (CI) methodologies for achieving operational and service excellence in any organization [29][30][31][32][33]. LSS is the fusion of two most powerful process excellence methodologies, namely, Lean and Six Sigma [24].…”

“…Lean six sigma consists of many tools and techniques for continuous improvement such as the Kanban system, 5S, Cause and Effect analysis (C&E), Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and many others [35,36]. According to Brazilian publications, there are six most frequently tools used in LSS applications: "Control Charts", followed by "Value Stream Mapping", "DMAIC," "Kaizen," "Ishikawa Diagram," and "Histogram;" and Control chart is the top ranking tool [33]. DMAIC is a five step Lean Six Sigma in Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89859 method for improving existing process problems with unknown causes.…”

A thorough Six Sigma DMAIC application for household appliance manufacturing systems

“…Also, Mahanti and Antony (2009) found that statistical process control, control charts, fishbone diagram, gap analysis, capability maturity model, regression, process mapping, QFD, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and process capability analysis are among the most used tools in the software industry setting. In their literature review on Brazilian studies, Walter and Paladini (2019) state that the most frequently used tools in lean Six Sigma applications are control charts, value stream mapping, Ishikawa diagram and histogram. On the other hand, their study show that Six Sigma techniques such as ANOVA, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, gage R&R analysis and confidence intervals were not frequent (Walter and Paladini, 2019).…”

“…In their literature review on Brazilian studies, Walter and Paladini (2019) state that the most frequently used tools in lean Six Sigma applications are control charts, value stream mapping, Ishikawa diagram and histogram. On the other hand, their study show that Six Sigma techniques such as ANOVA, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, gage R&R analysis and confidence intervals were not frequent (Walter and Paladini, 2019).…”