MalikFDiscussion1

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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830

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Business

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Feb 20, 2024

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BUSI830 Discussion1 1 School of Business, Liberty University Faizan Malik Introduction to Case Studies Assignment By submitting this assignment, I attest this submission represents my own work, and not that of another student, scholar, or internet source. I understand I am responsible for knowing and correctly utilizing referencing and bibliographical guidelines. I have not submitted this work for any other class.
BUSI830 Discussion1 2 Introduction In the context of refining processes, Lean methodology revolves around eliminating inefficiencies to optimize value delivery, which is pertinent in the widget manufacturer's case in which, despite a brief processing duration, the lead time extends considerably. To bridge this gap, employing various Lean practices such as value stream mapping can highlight inefficiencies both in material and information flow, facilitating the spotting of bottlenecks and overall wastage. Meanwhile, Six Sigma zeroes in on improving quality by detecting and eliminating defects, such as the elongated lead times, a challenge that can be tackled through the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach. This methodical process involves issue definition, performance analysis, root cause exploration, process enhancement, and sustained control. By coupling Lean's drive to minimize waste and Six Sigma's goal to eradicate defects, the manufacturer can systematically uncover inefficiencies and bottlenecks, ultimately fostering a more streamlined and effective production process. Consultant’s Assessment/Recommendations According to Cudney et al. (2020), Lean methodology is a process improvement approach centered around the elimination of various forms of waste or activities that do not contribute value (Cudney et al., 2020). In the case of the widget manufacturer, the lead time (3 months) is significantly prolonged despite the shorter processing time (4 hours). As such, the organization may look to adopt value stream mapping, in which the movement of materials and information are visually represented and analyzed to allow for the identification of wasteful elements and inefficiencies, which ultimately enhances the overall process efficiency (Vilventhan et al., 2019). This would allow the widget manufacturer to identify the specific areas within their manufacturing process where bottlenecks may occur and devise targeted strategies to
BUSI830 Discussion1 3 streamline the process, reduce unnecessary wait times, minimize excess inventory, and optimize the sequence of tasks. Six Sigma constitutes a collection of management methodologies aimed at enhancing the quality of products and services through the identification and eradication of defects (Ikumapayi et al., 2020). While the extended lead times for widgets may be the result of numerous factors, utilizing the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) approach may help the manufacturer address the potential causes. Smętkowska and Mrugalska (2019) describe the DMAIC approach as a five-step process in which organizations must first define the problem or opportunity they wish to improve, measure the current performance of the process, analyze the causes of variation, improve the process to eliminate the causes of variation, and control the process to maintain improvements that had been made (Smętkowska & Mrugalska,2019). By utilizing the DMAIC approach, the widget manufacturer can systematically assess and tackle the underlying causes of the prolonged lead times. Conclusion The combination of Lean methodology and Six Sigma principles presents an optimal strategy for resolving the widget manufacturer's production challenge, in which Lean's core focus on eradicating wasteful elements and inefficiencies aligns seamlessly with the issue of prolonged lead times. By implementing techniques such as value stream mapping, the organization can effectively identify bottlenecks and streamline various processes, thus optimizing overall efficiency. Utilizing the DMAIC methodology can then offer a structured path for the manufacturer to uncover root causes, correct process variations, and sustain improvements. By combining methodologies, the widget manufacturer can proactively tackle inefficiencies and reduce current lead times.
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BUSI830 Discussion1 4 References Cudney, E. A., Venuthurumilli, S. S. J., Materla, T., & Antony, J. (2020). Systematic review of Lean and Six Sigma approaches in higher education.  Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 31 (3-4), 231-244. Ikumapayi, O. M., Akinlabi, E. T., Mwema, F. M., & Ogbonna, O. S. (2020). Six sigma versus lean manufacturing–An overview.  Materials Today: Proceedings 26 , 3275-3281. Smętkowska, M., & Mrugalska, B. (2018). Using Six Sigma DMAIC to improve the quality of the production process: a case study.  Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 238 , 590- 596. Vilventhan, A., Ram, V. G., & Sugumaran, S. (2019). Value stream mapping for identification and assessment of material waste in construction: A case study.  Waste Management & Research 37 (8), 815-825.