Green Lean Six Sigma implementation framework: a case of reducing graphite and dust pollution

Abstract

Modern organisations are in search of initiatives which will enable them to be sustainable as well as gain a competitive advantage. Lean, Six Sigma and Green initiatives are some of the widely used tools which aid the organisation to be sustainable. Recent studies have suggested that the integration of Green and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) will create a powerful methodology and help organisations to be sustainable. Yet, many organisations have found it difficult due to the lack of a generic implementation framework, which can be used for any processes and cultural context. The purpose of this study is to answer the research question: how to implement a sustainable Green LSS initiative in the organisation. Through a critical analysis of previous literature, an implementation framework is developed and practically implemented through a case study to reduce the graphite and dust pollution in a mine in India. Within case analysis, it is conducted to develop propositions, future research directions and managerial implications. This is a first study to develop and practically test a generic implementation Green LSS framework.

Keywords

• green manufacturing
• lean
• six sigma
• lean six sigma
• implementation framework