Arvind Upadhyay

Investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma: A systematic literature review

Purpose The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate, through a systematic review of the existing academic literature, the environmental (green) impact of using quality and operations improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This includes the impact on energy saving and the usage of natural resources. Design/methodology/approach This study follows a systematic literature review approach through which it analyses research papers published in top 16 operations and quality management journals. No specific time frame was established, but a set of keywords were used to short-list the articles. A sample of 70 articles was finally short-listed and analysed to provide a discussion on environmental concerns related to Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. Findings The comprehensive review of short-listed articles indicates that both Lean and Six Sigma can be considered effective methods to support the conservation of resources, combat global warming and saving energy. Various scholars provide evidence of this, and as such, organisations should not only consider these methods to manage quality and improve operational performance but also meet environmental regulations. A set of research questions that demands further investigation has also been proposed based on the findings of this research. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a sample of 70 articles collected from top 16 operations and quality management journals. The search of journals is also limited to a set of key words (“Lean”, “Green”, “Six Sigma”, “environment”, “sustainable” and “sustainability”) used to short-list the sample size. Practical implications The study shows that organisations can consider the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma to meet environmental regulations, save costs and also meet quality management standards. This will contribute in helping organisations to formulate more effective and inclusive strategies which do not only consider the quality and operational dimensions but also the environmental dimension. Originality/value Literature exploring the environmental/green impact of quality management methods commonly used in industry is limited. There is also a lack of studies aiming to investigate the green impact of Lean and Six Sigma in top operations and quality management journals. The study focusing on investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods altogether is also a research first of its kind.

Total quality environmental management: Adoption status in the Chinese manufacturing sector

Purpose To address the critical sustainability challenges currently faced by China, manufacturers in this country have committed to improve their environmental performance. To support this commitment, evidence suggests that Chinese manufacturers have mainly turned to the implementation of environmental management approaches such as ISO 14001, cleaner production, green supply chain management, circular economy and green lean. However, the adoption of other approaches such as Total Quality Environmental Management by Chinese manufacturers is less clear. This paper fills this gap by providing light into fundamental issues regarding the implementation of TQEM in the manufacturing sector of China. Design/methodology/approach A survey-based exploratory study was conducted based on 119 Chinese manufacturing companies and the data obtained was analysed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The results revealed that in general, there is less awareness of TQEM in the Chinese manufa...

Is your Brexit supply chain resilient enough? The British footwear manufacturers’ perspective

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Authors have analyzed operations of major fashion operators, interviewed business experts with the intention to support small to mid-sized enterprises. Their first-ever-in-its-kind projects can be a guide for industry players to follow when seeking ways in which to increase their competitiveness. Some of the key aspects authors have focused on their project are as follows: a limited number of possible supply chain strategies companies can deploy, e.g. based on demand/supply predictability, various opportunities for so-called postponement strategies and pragmatic ways of matching demand and supply along the product life cycle. All is supported with a first hand and up-to-date examples of industry players. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.