Chad Laux

Project barriers to Green Belts through critical success factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to utilize critical success factors (CSF) and identify items Green Belt (GB) practitioners note as barriers to completion of Six Sigma (SS) projects in a major manufacturer setting. Design/methodology/approach – The design of this paper is a descriptive study of a single location of a global manufacturer’s internal data and survey of accredited GBs who have completed an SS project for company accreditation utilizing company focus on CSFs. Findings – The results demonstrate the GB practitioners have competing priorities, have time constraints and lack project management skills that reduce timely completion of SS projects. Top management responsibility for SS GB projects are defined through the CSFs of leadership, project management and project selection. Research limitations/implications – This study pertains to the single manufacturing location of a major, multinational company. The survey of SS GBs is limited to those individuals who have become accredited to compan...

Impacting Big Data analytics in higher education through Six Sigma techniques

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for utilizing Six Sigma (SS) principles and Big Data analytics at a US public university for the improvement of student success. This research utilizes findings from the Gallup index to identify performance factors of higher education. The goal is to offer a reimagined SS DMAIC methodology that incorporates Big Data principles. Design/methodology/approach The authors utilize a conceptual research design methodology based upon theory building consisting of discovery, description, explanation of the disciplines of SS and Big Data. Findings The authors have found that the interdisciplinary approach to SS and Big Data may be grounded in a framework that reimagines the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology that incorporates Big Data principles. The authors offer propositions of SS DMAIC to be theory tested in subsequent study and offer the practitioner managing the performance of higher education institutions (HEIs) indicators and examples for managing the student success mission of the organization. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to conceptual research design with regard to the SS and Big Data interdisciplinary research. For performance management, this study is limited to HEIs and non-FERPA student data. Implications of this study include a detailed framework for conducting SS Big Data projects. Practical implications Devising a more effective management approach for higher education needs to be based upon student success and performance indicators that accurately measure and support the higher education mission. A proactive approach should utilize the data rich environment being generated. The individual that is most successful in engaging and managing this effort will have the knowledge and skills that are found in both SS and Big Data. Social implications HEIs have historically been significant contributors to the development of meritocracy in democratic societies. Due to a variety of factors, HEIs, especially publicly funded institutions, have been under stress due to a reduction of public funding, resulting in more limited access to the public in which they serve. Originality/value This paper examines Big Data and SS in interdisciplinary effort, an important contribution to SS but lacking a conceptual foundation in the literature. Higher education, as an industry, lacks penetration and adoption of continuous improvement efforts, despite being under tremendous cost pressures and ripe for disruption.

Lean Six Sigma leadership in higher education institutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate whether a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) leadership model could be effectively utilized to resolve efficiency and effective issues like rising costs, quality of education, graduation and retention rates encountered in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the modern era. Design/methodology/approach The authors systematically reviewed the literature on key concepts of LSS and leadership in HEIs in to develop a theoretical model using an inductive theory-building approach in accordance with the exploratory nature of the study. Findings The results of the study proposed a conceptual LSS leadership framework, which provides a basis for testing of LSS leadership representations in HEIs. The results suggest that LSS leadership has advantages for HEI to overcome currents issues and challenges. Research limitations/implications This research is a theoretical study based on the existing literature that identified characteristics that may be adopted in higher education. The proposed LSS leadership framework is based upon leadership, statistical thinking, continuous change and improvement. This model is based upon service and the concepts of adaptive, rather than technical work, of leaders in higher education. Practical implications The proposed LSS leadership framework brings new aspects and perspectives of leadership in HEIs. LSS leadership model has its practical meaning in providing a fundamental base for HEIs to overcome challenges, fulfill missions, and sustain improvements. Social implications HEIs are a foundation for principles of democracy, equality and diversity. HEIs have been a path for citizens but HEIs are facing challenges that are reducing the ability of individuals to improve themselves. Leadership of HEI needs to incorporate new principles to adapt to a changing society. Originality/value LSS project leaders have achieved improved bottom line results and customer satisfaction in a wide range of industries, but LSS application in the HEIs remains to be explored. This paper proposes an effective LSS leadership model, which can help improve the quality of education, reduce non-value added costs and enhance operational efficiency of HEIs.

Designing for Six Sigma in a Private Organization in China under TQM implementation: A Case Study

Abstract After China entered the WTO, a growing number of Chinese companies have started to employ Six Sigma Management to improve the quality of their products aimed building a Six Sigma Organization. This case study sought to understand the application of a design for Six Sigma methodology (DMADV) for training employees in quality tools in a total quality management adoption in a private organization in China. Problems and barriers, with regard to quality culture, inside the organization were encountered, identified, and reconciled during this project, while building a quality management system. The benefits of the DMADV application and the financial returns from the project are discussed.

Utilizing Six Sigma Methodology for Training Undergraduate Student for Conducting Global Field Research

Purpose: With the increase in demand for the global research, scholars in engineering and technology discipline do not hesitate in taking up global opportunity for conducting research. Training the next generation for such international research opportunity is key and involving undergraduate students’ beyond study abroad is important. Design/Methodologies/Approach: This research focuses on improving the efficiency of agricultural supply chain by addressing the challenge of post-harvest losses faced by various stakeholders in Public Distribution System of Chhattisgarh, India. Findings: We identified the potential use of Six Sigma methodology along with quality management tools for successful implementation of a research project in undergraduate curriculum and address barriers in field research. Practical Implications: This research highlights the potentials and challenges of conducting research in global setting. Additionally, the authors have utilized quality management tool and developed a model that can be adapted by engineering and technology scholars to conduct research effectively in global environment. Originality: This study was done though an undergraduate research model with close faculty mentorship.

Designing for Standardizing on Six Sigma Education

Purpose: This study evaluated differing sources of the Lean Six Sigma body of knowledge with the purpose of standardizing on learning outcomes for a Black Belt graduate level course. Design/Methodologies/Approach: Through a systematic literature review and a reverse curriculum design model, three associations that maintain Lean Six Sigma standards (ISO, ATMAE, ASQ) were compared for the development of learning outcomes that were most similar among the standards bodies and evaluated against Bloom’s taxonomy. Findings: Based upon the curriculum model, seven enduring understandings were developed about learning DMAIC, project management, and teamwork. Practical Implications: The outcomes of this study are the identification of those skills and knowledge that are in congruence with the ISO Six Sigma standards, ATMAE body of knowledge, and ASQ’s Black Belt certification. A common framework of these standards groups, for introducing Lean Six Sigma into higher education may serve as a reference for the educator. Originality: There is limited research in Six Sigma standardization applied to curriculum development.