Lean and six sigma – critical success factors revisited

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-22-2013

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the critical success factors (CSF) for lean and six sigma and an analysis of these CSF as compared to previously popular change methods. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a literature search and comparative analysis complemented with examples from previous case studies. Findings – With only slight variations, the critical success factors are similar for all the change methods. Furthermore, the critical success factors seem to be relatively constant over time. Another important finding is that the CSF tend to relate more to how an organization approaches the change effort versus change method specific factors. The issues of management support and organizational culture are often emphasized as especially critical. The paper highlights and discusses three additional important CSF: strategic alignment, project management and training. Practical implications – The awareness of CSF, in combination with an awareness of similarities between the methods, can potentially guide organizations in implementations of existing change efforts, and also prepare them for the next widely popular change method – when it arrives. Originality/value – The paper presents the comparison of such aspects as goals, approaches, structure and tools and a detailed analysis of critical success factors. © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Publication Title

International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences

Volume

5

Issue

1

First Page

86

Last Page

100

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1108/17566691311316266

ISSN

1756669X

E-ISSN

17566703

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