Lean Six Sigma

Application of a Lean Six Sigma System to New Product Design

Abstract

The aim of this report is to examine an increasingly popular system called “Lean Six Sigma” and specifically how this system can be used in the area of New Product Development (NPD). The research for this report included extensive analysis of journals dealing with lean management, Six Sigma, New Product Development and also the integration of these three aspects. This report found that the vast majority of research and indeed feedback from companies, who have implemented the lean Six Sigma ideals, has been positive.

Keywords

Lean management, Six Sigma, Design for Lean Six Sigma.

1. Introduction

This report touches on two management startegies, lean management and Six Sigma. However, the main question this report sets out to answer is whether industry can benefit from the combined application of these two management techniques within their new product development system.

The utilisation of lean management and Six Sigma techniques have become increasingly more frequent over the last two decades with companies taking advantage of their streamlining tools and concepts in order to increase their bottom line. However, with the current global financial difficulties, there has never been a more opportune moment to implement these strategies.

The area of new product development can be an unpredictable and resource consuming process. Indeed a large proportion of new products never make it of the ground and end in failure Get Quote. However the development of a quality new product, with real customer appeal, can bring prestige and perhaps more importantly, significant financial gain.

This paper will proceed to outline some of the key characteristics of both Six sigma and lean management. It will look at the Six Sigma model, which uses statistical techniques to provide a structured and systematic approach to process improvement [Pepper and Spedding (2009)]. Lean management will be...