The application of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience in maritime industry during the era of COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to apply a Lean Six Sigma framework to support continuous improvement in the maritime industry (shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping companies) during COVID-19 pandemics. By applying the concepts of Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience, the most suitable continuous improvement method for the maritime industry is developed to maintain a resilient supply chain during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach A specific shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping company in Indonesia is chosen as the research object. The Lean Six Sigma framework reveals the wastes through the supply chain resilience concept, and implements internal business processes to maintain optimal system performance. Findings The paper identifies important implementation aspects in applying Lean Six Sigma to shipbuilding, logistics services and shipping. The DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach is applied to achieve supply chain resilience. Resilient measures are generated for the case companies to maximize performance during the pandemics. Practical implications This paper provides a new insight for integrating Lean Six Sigma and resilience strategies in the maritime industry during COVID-19 disruptions. The authors provide some insights to sustain the performance of the maritime industries under study. Originality/value This study is part of the first research in the maritime industry that focuses on continuous improvement during COVID-19 using Lean Six Sigma and supply chain resilience.

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

“…Moreover, the anticipated harsh impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the manufacturing supply chain of developing nations have become a reality (U-Dominic et al, 2020). As such, the LSS framework can aid to achieve resilience in manufacturing supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis (Praharsi et al, 2021;Hundal et al, 2021), by providing manufacturers with a sense of familiarity with their organization's supply chain failure factors (Butt, 2020).…”

“…, 2020). As such, the LSS framework can aid to achieve resilience in manufacturing supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis (Praharsi et al. , 2021; Hundal et al.…”

Optimization of empty container allocation for inland freight stations considering stochastic demand

“…There are also many empirical studies to prove the validity of the above theory (e.g., Ramos et al (2020) , Odhiambo and Kihara (2018) and Khan (2020) ). In the shipping field, Praharsi et al (2021) applied the lean six sigma theory to the maritime industry during the era of the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a suitable continuous improvement method for the industry. Frontoni et al (2020) took an Italian shipping company as an example to conduct a case study and introduced its method of combining lean thinking principles with the concept of Industry 4.0 to achieve cargo safety improvement and container inventory implementation status detection.…”

Guest editorial

“…Praharsi et al (2021) demonstrate how the shipbuilding industry can become more resilient and maximise its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting the Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control method to achieve supply chain resilience. They also share new insights on how Lean Six Sigma and resilience strategies can be integrated to absorb the disruptions by the pandemic.…”