Lean six sigma sustainability framework: A case study on an automotive company

Abstract

Majority of the prior Lean Six Sigma (LSS) researches focused on the study of success factors for LSS implementation. There is lack of research that explores the sustainability factors or factors for the continuation of LSS's drive post the LSS implementation stage. Hence, this study intends to establish the fundamental concept of LSS sustainability based on the principles of sustainability. In addition, the study also aims to develop a LSS sustainability conceptual framework based on literature review and case study on a company that had implemented LSS for 15 years. The proposed LSS sustainability framework consist of 5 important sustainability factors, which are continuous improvement culture, innovative culture, management team's approach, employee knowledge on LSS and communication. The uniqueness of the proposed framework is the framework not only summarized the key finding from literature review in regard with sustainability and factors for sustainability, but the framework also reflects the actual setting of a company that has sustained LSS drive for the last 15 years.