Significant Factors of the Successful Lean Six-Sigma Implementation

Abstract

Based on an extensive literature review we have selected factors critical for Lean Six Sigma implementation success. Four variables were selected to be used as output variables measuring this project success: project on time completion, achievement of financial goals, sigma level achieved (that was measured using Defects per Million Opportunities, DPMO), and overall project success. Using empirical data from 256 Lean Six Sigma Projects, we present the model developed and identify significant factors for Lean Six Sigma implementation success. Empirical results, which were collected during Lean Six Sigma implementation in 39 business units of an Automotive Sector Company in North America and Europe, were analysed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and General Linear Model (GLM). Two main factors were found as positively linked with the different aspects of project success: the competency of the Black Belts team and the management support to the project.

Keywords

• Lean six sigma
• Success factors
• Statistical modeling
• Six sigma project.