A comparative analysis of trilateral and concurrent business improvement methodologies in the high technology sector

Rodney McAdam, Stephanie Donegan

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    6 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Many organisations in the high technology sector have suffered from a large fall in market confidence. This fall has resulted in postponed investment and large-scale unemployment. This slowdown in the hi-tech sector has led to a renewed examination of business improvement methodologies to improve organisational competitiveness. Typical questions are 'which methodology is best' and 'can different methods be used effectively concurrently'? In this study, a longitudinal and explanatory case analysis is used to conduct a comparative analysis on the application of six sigma, self managed teams and lean manufacturing business improvement methodologies. These methodologies were running concurrently in the subject organisation. The main conclusions emanating from this study are: six sigma, lean manufacturing and self-managed teams are compatible, Six sigma is highly measurable, the deployment of six sigma has made the largest contribution, it is difficult to assess the contribution made by self-managed teams, the rationale changes over time for the deployment of any initiative, there is no formula for success other than the level of leadership, which is critical to success.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)210-231
    Number of pages22
    JournalInternational Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management
    Volume5
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2003

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright:
    Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

    Keywords

    • Case analysis
    • High technology
    • Lean manufacturing
    • Self managed teams
    • Six sigma

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