Organizational change towards Lean Six Sigma implementation in the manufacturing supply chain: an integrated approach

Abstract

PurposeThe topic of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation in a supply chain context is an emerging research stream comprising of diverse objectives and complex processes thereby presenting opportunities for further exploration and organizational process improvement. Thus, this study proposes an integrated multi-criteria decision-making methodology to determine what can facilitate the successful implementation of LSS as an organizational change strategy in the manufacturing supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed methodology based on Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and hierarchical Evaluation Based on Distance to Average Solution is employed to ascertain the relative importance and priorities of an identified framework of factors with the aid of opinions of managers in the Nigerian plastics industry.FindingsThe results show a high significance of institution-based factors (e.g. government regulations) and present relevant implications to the policymakers as well as the managers and practitioners of the plastics manufacturing industry.Originality/valueThis study indicates a possible pathway to accurately evaluate a framework of critical factors to integrate and institutionalize LSS in the manufacturing supply chain for organizational performance improvement.