A systematic literature review of hybrid approaches of lean, agile and six sigma philosophies in supply chain management

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to critically review the current literature on hybrid approaches of lean, agile and six sigma applications in supply chain management. Lean, agile and six sigma are improvement philosophies; these are developed in the manufacturing industry. In the last two decades, the applications of these philosophies have received considerable attention in both the manufacturing and the service industries. This attention is evident in many published studies in different journals, showing challenges and limitations for adopting these philosophies, including the integrated lean six sigma (LSS) and lean-agile (legality or leagile) in the supply chain practices. However, studies on hybrid approaches of lean, agile and six sigma philosophies in the supply chain management using a systematic literature review are relatively lacking. With this motivation, this study aims to address such gaps in the supply chain management literature. More specifically, it focuses on exploring the challenges and limitations to identify the benefits of hybrid approaches in border supply chain management. In particular, to identify how those challenges and limitations impact on overall supply chain practices and performance. To this end, the final sample of 118 peer-reviewed articles was reviewed to constitute the knowledge base of the study. Therefore, this study critically reviewed and analysed previous theoretical and evidence-based literature on the key themes associated with the topic by using a systematic literature review. This study adopted a systematic literature review research methodology involving a three-stage review method. The three stages were (1) planning the review; (2) conducting the review; and (3) reporting and dissemination. This study presents the details of the literature search, outcomes of the search, subsequent analysis of 118 articles from 40 different journals, and contributions to knowledge, key findings and recommendations. This study is one of the first systematic literature reviews on hybrid approaches of lean, agile and six sigma philosophies, in particular reviewing the literature to explore to what extent hybrid approaches of these philosophies influence supply chain practices and performance in the context of various industries. None of the previous literature has critically reviewed the hybrid approach of lean, agile and six sigma philosophies in terms of challenges and limitations in the context of supply chain practices. This study adds to the existing literature by critically reviewing the literature on hybrid approaches of lean, agile, and six sigma philosophies, emphasizing challenges, limitations, and benefits of integrated approaches in the context of supply chain management for various industries. Based on a critical literature review, a conceptual framework is developed as the basis of integrated LASS philosophy for supply chain management.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English