Publication

Implementing a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology at a compound animal feed manufacturer in Ireland

Trubetskaya, Anna
McDermott, Olivia
Brophy, Padraig
Citation
Trubetskaya, Anna, McDermott, Olivia, & Brophy, Padraig. (2023). Implementing a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology at a compound animal feed manufacturer in Ireland. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 14(5), 1075-1095. doi: 10.1108/IJLSS-08-2022-0169
Abstract
This study aims to propose a tailored Lean Six Sigma framework providing an accessible Lean Six Sigma methodology for compound feed manufacturers with the aim of mitigating rising costs and increasingly complex demands from customers. A Lean Six Sigma framework was designed combining Lean value stream mapping and Six Sigma structured problem-solving with a case study in an Irish compound feed manufacturer. The study found that the Lean Six Sigma implementation framework provided a simplified approach, which fitted the resource availability within compound feed manufacturing. The study is limited by the constraints of a sole case study in providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of the framework. Nevertheless, a conceptual Lean Six Sigma model is proposed, which will assist compound feed manufacturers implementing a continuous improvement approach. This paper proposes a simplified approach to the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in agricultural compound feed manufacturers and in small and medium-sized organisations. This is the first such study in Ireland and will add to the body of work on Lean in agriculture and aid other agri-businesses and compound feed manufacturers in understanding how Lean Six Sigma can benefit.
Funder
Publisher
Emerald
Publisher DOI
10.1108/IJLSS-08-2022-0169
Rights
CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 IE