Edaki, Louis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7490-004X (2024) Sustaining lean Six Sigma implementation in higher education institutions. Doctoral thesis, University of the West of Scotland.

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Abstract

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology has been implemented as a business improvement strategy across industries and service sectors. Nevertheless, organisations that have been able to sustain the gains of their continuous improvement (CI) initiatives appeared limited, with considerable variation in the level of sustainability. Also, the application of the LSS improvement strategy in HE sectors has not been widely adopted, and successful implementation and sustainability of LSS programmes in HEIs remain a challenge and lack empirical studies. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to explore the status of LSS implementation in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as Public Service organisations (PSOs) to identify the key factors that enable effective implementation and sustainability of LSS programmes in HEIs and make a recommendation.

Related literature was reviewed, focusing on the status of Lean, Six Sigma, LSS and CI applications in HEIs. The research methodology employs a qualitative data collection approach and a semi-structured telephone interview method. Interviews were conducted with heterogeneously selected 14 CI practitioners involved in implementing CI projects and programmes in HE sectors in the UK. The data collected was analysed using Template Analysis techniques. The research finding reveals the critical success factor (CSFs) and barriers to LSS project implementation, the benefits based on the LSS initiative's impact, including the adopted performance measurement systems, sustainability enabling factors

(SEFs) and barriers to sustainable improvement in HEIs, through which LSS Sustainability Framework was developed. Based on the findings, the research recommends the following unique elements for sustainable improvement in HEIs: creating capacity for the CI programme; securing buy-in from management and employees; embedding CI as part of the organisational strategy; system approach to CI implementation; effective performance measurement; managing and sustaining change behaviour and attitude.

This research has contributed to knowledge in both theory and practice. Previous studies in LSS and CI are widespread in the manufacturing and service sector; however, this research has contributed to the LSS and CI Body of Knowledge in the HE and Public Service Sector. The study has also added to the limited literature on LSS and CI sustainability in the service sectors and identified a gap in the literature on LSS and CI sustainability in the HE sectors. The research further identifies novel key SEFs to develop a framework and make recommendations for sustainable CI programmes in HEIs.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Status:	Published
DOI:	doi10.5281/ZENODO.11934081
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
School/Department:	London Campus
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/11366

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