An investigation into the implementation of Lean Six Sigma as a tool to enhance organisational performance and competitiveness within the manufacturing sector: A case of Chloride Zimbabwe (2010 – 2013)

Abstract

The research seeks to investigate into the implementation of Lean Six Sigma as a tool to enhance organisational performance and competitiveness at Chloride Zimbabwe. This was motivated by the relentless poor performance of the company and at the same time it was faced with stiff competition in the automotive battery market. The research’s main objectives include; increasing insights into the linkage between Firm performance and Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six sigma implementation; ascertaining the factors for a successful Lean six-sigma implementation at Chloride Zimbabwe; defining a list of benefits of Lean Six-sigma implementation at Chloride Zimbabwe; determining whether six sigma can be a catalyst for efficiency improvement at Chloride Zimbabwe and identifying key challenges that may inhibit efficient implementation of Lean Six sigma at Chloride. The research data was collected using a survey method for the case study and self administered questionnaires were used in data collection. From a population size of 195 employees, a sample size of 60 was drawn from it comprising general employees, supervisors and managers. A high response rate of 86.7% was recorded. A convenience sampling technique was employed and the collected data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) model and data was presented on graphs, charts and tables. The research show that Lean six sigma plays a major part in improving the organisational performance. The results also revealed that there is a need for a culture change at Chloride Zimbabwe that will enable it to embrace new concepts like Lean Six Sigma model. The research also indicated that Lean six sigma can lead to product quality and customer satisfaction. It furthermore showed that Lean six sigma has the potential of improving efficiency at Chloride Zimbabwe and on the other hand the study revealed that Lack of Leadership commitment could be a major inhibiting factor in the implementation of Lean six sigma. The researcher recommends that there be a culture change that can be carried out by an expert at Chloride Zimbabwe that will embrace a new way of performance. The study also put forward the recommendation that the company need to seek a re-certification of its Quality Management System. It also highlighted the need for the Leadership to adopt new projects that are strategically aligned to the company’s goals. Lastly the researcher recommended that all new projects should start with what the customer wants and it should also end with the customer’s satisfaction.