Factors analysis of lean six sigma practices in the Vietnam wood industry

Abstract

Six sigma is valuable to process control and ensure the stability of product quality. Lean practices or six sigma in isolation cannot remove all types of waste, control the process statistically, and remove process variability. The integrated development of the two approaches, which are known as Lean and six sigma (LSS), may bring out the advantages of both concepts. Although, many enterprises have succeeded with LSS around the world only less than 20% of enterprises achieve and maintain lean activities for the time being. The aim of this research paper is to present the key factors that constitute a successful implementation of LSS in the wood industry in Vietnam through analysis of LSS implementation. A combination of a comprehensive literature review and a site visit to deeply observe by participants observation for 3 LSS projects and interview the key persons involved in the project was employed in this study.