Barriers to lean six sigma implementation in the supply chain: An ISM model

Lean six sigma (LSS), a process improvement tool to achieve operational excellence in any industry, has become popular among practitioners over the last few decades. In this study, a framework for identifying barriers to LSS implementation in supply chains has been developed using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method. The ISM technique was used to identify the contextual relationships among the barriers. Barriers were classified based on their dependence power and driving power using MICMAC (Matriced Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement). This framework will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the barriers of LSS affect each other. The proposed framework has been tested using data from a real-world apparel manufacturing company in Bangladesh. 10 barriers to LSS implementation were identified from a literature review and industrial managers’ feedback. This study is expected to guide practitioners in implementing LSS in supply chains by helping to focus their effort on removing the most important barriers.