Lean and Green - Synergies, Differences, Limitations, and the Need for Six Sigma

Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Gabriela Winck Jacques, Ming K. Lim, Vikas Kumar, Luis Rocha-Lona

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Historically, profitability and efficiency objectives have been the prevailing interest for organisations. However, the move towards green operations has forced companies to seek alternatives to combine these with green objectives and initiatives. Green lean is the result of this combination. The purpose of this paper is to critically discuss the green lean approach and the potential benefits of integrating Six Sigma to enhance its effectiveness. The paper is based on a literature review that discusses the synergies and differences of lean and green, and its main limitations. Departing from the limitations identified, the paper then proposes Six Sigma, and specially its problem solving methodology DMAIC, as an approach that may help in overcoming the limitations of green lean. Thus, the paper conceptually proposes Green Lean Six Sigma. It intends to offer academics, researchers and practitioners interested in lean and green with some initial conceptual ideas regarding their possible integration with Six Sigma.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Production Management Systems
Subtitle of host publicationInnovative and Knowledge-Based Production Management in a Global-Local World - IFIP WG 5.7 International Conference, APMS 2014, Proceedings
PublisherSpringer New York LLC
Pages71-81
Number of pages11
EditionPART 2
ISBN (Print)9783662447352
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventIFIP WG 5.7 International Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems, APMS 2014 - Ajaccio, France
Duration: 20 Sep 201424 Sep 2014

Publication series

NameIFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
NumberPART 2
Volume439
ISSN (Print)1868-4238

Conference

ConferenceIFIP WG 5.7 International Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems, APMS 2014
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityAjaccio
Period20/09/1424/09/14

Keywords

  • DMAIC
  • Environment
  • Green
  • Lean
  • Six Sigma
  • Sustainability

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