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Lean Six Sigma for Small Enterprises: A Systematic Review and Lite‑DMAIC Adaptation Framework for Resource‑Constrained Organizations
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Lean Six Sigma
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV5I5-1716957
Abstract
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been widely recognized as a powerful methodology for improving process efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing quality across diverse industries. However, its traditional implementation frameworks are often resource-intensive, making them less accessible to small enterprises operating under financial, technical, and human capital constraints. This systematic review critically examines existing literature on Lean, Six Sigma, and integrated LSS applications within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on identifying barriers to adoption, success factors, and contextual adaptations. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, industry reports, and empirical case analyses, the review highlights key challenges faced by small enterprises, including limited expertise, inadequate data infrastructure, resistance to change, and high implementation costs. In response to these limitations, the study proposes a Lite-DMAIC adaptation framework tailored specifically for resource-constrained organizations. The framework simplifies the traditional Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) cycle by reducing complexity, minimizing data requirements, and emphasizing practical, low-cost tools that can be easily deployed without extensive training. It integrates agile principles, visual management techniques, and incremental improvement strategies to enhance flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, the framework prioritizes leadership engagement, employee participation, and continuous learning as critical enablers of sustainable process improvement in small enterprise contexts. The findings suggest that when appropriately adapted, LSS can significantly enhance operational performance, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage for small enterprises. The proposed Lite-DMAIC model offers a pragmatic pathway for SMEs to leverage LSS principles without the burden of extensive resource commitments. This study contributes to both academic discourse and practical implementation by bridging the gap between theory and application in constrained environments. Future research directions include empirical validation of the framework across sectors and the integration of digital tools to further enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making in small enterprise settings globally.
Keywords
Lean Six Sigma, Small Enterprises, SMEs, DMAIC, Process Improvement, Resource Constraints, Continuous Improvement, Quality Management
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How to cite this paper
@article{1716957,
author = {Kazeem Babatunde Ambali, Ruth Arogbeoritse Eyetsemitan, Ajibola Oluwafemi Oyeleye, Oladapo Fadayomi},
title = {Lean Six Sigma for Small Enterprises: A Systematic Review and Lite‑DMAIC Adaptation Framework for Resource‑Constrained Organizations},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2021},
volume = {5},
number = {5},
pages = {562-583},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716957.pdf},
abstract = {Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been widely recognized as a powerful methodology for improving process efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing quality across diverse industries. However, its traditional implementation frameworks are often resource-intensive, making them less accessible to small enterprises operating under financial, technical, and human capital constraints. This systematic review critically examines existing literature on Lean, Six Sigma, and integrated LSS applications within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on identifying barriers to adoption, success factors, and contextual adaptations. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, industry reports, and empirical case analyses, the review highlights key challenges faced by small enterprises, including limited expertise, inadequate data infrastructure, resistance to change, and high implementation costs. In response to these limitations, the study proposes a Lite-DMAIC adaptation framework tailored specifically for resource-constrained organizations. The framework simplifies the traditional Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) cycle by reducing complexity, minimizing data requirements, and emphasizing practical, low-cost tools that can be easily deployed without extensive training. It integrates agile principles, visual management techniques, and incremental improvement strategies to enhance flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, the framework prioritizes leadership engagement, employee participation, and continuous learning as critical enablers of sustainable process improvement in small enterprise contexts. The findings suggest that when appropriately adapted, LSS can significantly enhance operational performance, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage for small enterprises. The proposed Lite-DMAIC model offers a pragmatic pathway for SMEs to leverage LSS principles without the burden of extensive resource commitments. This study contributes to both academic discourse and practical implementation by bridging the gap between theory and application in constrained environments. Future research directions include empirical validation of the framework across sectors and the integration of digital tools to further enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making in small enterprise settings globally.},
keywords = {Lean Six Sigma, Small Enterprises, SMEs, DMAIC, Process Improvement, Resource Constraints, Continuous Improvement, Quality Management},
month = {November},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV5I5-1716957}
}