Application of Lean Six Sigma in engineering enterprises

Ing. Thi Bao Chau Jarolímková Pham

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The thesis examines the application of Lean Six Sigma and its toolset in a Czech engineering company to explore how Lean and Six Sigma, as a unified continuous improvement program, has been implemented in real-life settings. The aim of this thesis is (1) to discover how Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques are being utilized by Green Belt and Black Belt employees of the chosen company, (2) to explore managerial perspectives regarding the company’s current Lean Six Sigma program, and (3) to suggest a possible measurement framework for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of their Lean Six Sigma implementation. The study took place in a multinational corporation focusing on Research and Development (R&D) activities. Using survey and interview method, it is found that training and education is the most crucial successful factor of the company’s extensive Lean Six Sigma program. As a result, employees at all levels are familiar with the company’s Lean Six Sigma working practices. In regards of application of tools and techniques, the study revealed that engineering positions often use data-driven tools from Six Sigma, whilst managerial positions tend to employ Lean’s concepts and techniques in their daily work. Besides, one of the company’s critical challenges is the development of Lean Six Sigma toolset exclusively for software engineers. Another important finding of the study is suggestions on effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s Lean Six Sigma efforts, where the former is assessed using an integrated evaluation specifically for R&D and the latter using Data Envelopment Analysis method.

Abstract:

The thesis examines the application of Lean Six Sigma and its toolset in a Czech engineering company to explore how Lean and Six Sigma, as a unified continuous improvement program, has been implemented in real-life settings. The aim of this thesis is (1) to discover how Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques are being utilized by Green Belt and Black Belt employees of the chosen company, (2) to explore managerial perspectives regarding the company’s current Lean Six Sigma program, and (3) to suggest a possible measurement framework for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of their Lean Six Sigma implementation. The study took place in a multinational corporation focusing on Research and Development (R&D) activities. Using survey and interview method, it is found that training and education is the most crucial successful factor of the company’s extensive Lean Six Sigma program. As a result, employees at all levels are familiar with the company’s Lean Six Sigma working practices. In regards of application of tools and techniques, the study revealed that engineering positions often use data-driven tools from Six Sigma, whilst managerial positions tend to employ Lean’s concepts and techniques in their daily work. Besides, one of the company’s critical challenges is the development of Lean Six Sigma toolset exclusively for software engineers. Another important finding of the study is suggestions on effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s Lean Six Sigma efforts, where the former is assessed using an integrated evaluation specifically for R&D and the latter using Data Envelopment Analysis method.

Keywords

Lean Six Sigma, tools and techniques, effectiveness, efficiency, case study, research and development, Czech Republic.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 10. 1. 2017

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 22. 6. 2017
• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Radoslav Škapa, Ph.D.
• Reader: Ing. Michal Jirásek

Masaryk University

Faculty of Economics and Administration

Master programme / field:
Economy and Management / Business Management (Eng.)