A conceptual framework for critical success factors of lean Six Sigma

Purpose The objective of this paper is to analyze the critical success factors (CSFs) for lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation and its impacts towards company performance in multinational electronic manufacturing service (EMS) industries. Design/methodology/approach A pilot study has been conducted to identify the top ten CSFs for LSS implementation. Based on these factors, a structured questionnaire has been constructed. The questionnaire will be distributed to multi‐sites of six EMS industries to obtain the data across Malaysia and other sites globally. The target population is the LSS program implementer such as master black belts, black belts and LSS champions in the EMS industries. Findings These EMS industries provide outsourcing platform for the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) industries to outsource their products in order to reduce operational cost. With the proposed LSS implementation success model, a practical guide of the LSS program has been implemented. The practical guide helps the LSS practitioners to focus on certain CSFs and it prevents the LSS execution from loosing momentum when faces roadblock. Research limitations/implications The paper is relevant to most EMS industries and provides guidelines to small and medium enterprises in Malaysia through improving their competitiveness and capability in the globalization market. Originality/value The EMS industries compete among themselves to gain more business from OEM industries through implementation of many improvements via cost reduction activities. LSS program is recognized among the EMS industries as one of the effective business strategy of cost reduction and to improve company's profitability and growth. The success of the LSS program in achieving the expected gain and return relies on CSFs; henceforth it renders the undertaking of this paper.