Application of Lean Six Sigma Principles to Food Distribution SMEs

Abstract

Across the world service industry organisations including SMEs have been facing unprecedented challenges in delivering best quality products at low costs and fast delivery speeds. Lean and Six Sigma are increasingly used as practical methodologies to improve delivery and quality and to reduce operational costs, to thereby enhance business competitiveness. This study aims to investigate the implementation of Lean Six Sigma by means of an empirical case study in food distribution SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Suitable statistical tools have been applied in each phase of the DMAIC cycle. The case study indicated that a combination of the strengths of each approach could bring about considerable performance improvements in SMEs.