Key Success Factors of Implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in France contribute more than large organizations, economically, in terms of employment provision, value added, and numbers of SMEs. Therefore, it is imperative for SMEs to be conversant with the key success factors of implementing either Six Sigma or Lean. This paper investigates and identifies the key success factors of Lean and Six Sigma implementation within SMEs. Factors such as top management involvement, leadership, and linking the method to supplier, among others are crucial factors for a successful implementation of Lean and Six Sigma. The study seeks to discover whether there are significant differences and similarities between the common success factors of Lean and Six Sigma and to notice whether there is a difference in priority, pertaining common success factors between Lean and Six Sigma. Consequently recognize between implementing either Lean or Six Sigma methodologies can fit within enterprise. The implementations depend on the capability of the enterprise to apply the success factors. We found out that Lean and Six Sigma contribute significantly to organizational performance as both methods help in reducing wastes and variations, hence improving quality and customer satisfaction.

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