Examining barriers to lean six sigma implementation in supply chain: a case study

Abstract

The readymade garment industry is the main dominating business sector of Bangladesh. To achieve operational excellence in the readymade garment industry, lean six sigma (LSS), a process improvement tool, has become popular among practitioners. In this thesis, barriers to LSS the apparel supply chain of Bangladesh have been addressed. Ten barriers to LSS were identified from the review of literature and managers’ feedback. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique was used to examine the contextual relationships among the barriers. MICMAC (Matriced’ Impacts Croise´s Multiplication Applique´e a´ unClassement) analysis was also conducted to classify the barriers based on the driving power and dependence among them. The findings reveal that a lack of top management commitment and support and lack of training and education are the most significant barriers to LSS implementation in the apparel industry context. This study is expected to guide practitioners in implementing LSS in the apparel supply chain of Bangladesh.