The role of managers in the context with the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in small and medium-sized enterprises

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the influence of managers during the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in small and medium-sized enterprises. A systematic literature review consisted of published journal papers from academic databases is conducted. The active participation during the Lean Six Sigma implementation process and in Lean Six Sigma trainings as well as the motivation of the employees are the most important responsibilities of the management for the successful LSS implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises. The greatest strength of the management in small and medium-sized enterprises would be the easy support due to fewer hierarchical layers while the greatest weakness is the low Lean Six Sigma awareness and knowledge. The training, resource and financial limitations in small and medium-sized enterprises are the largest hurdles for the management to implement LSS successfully.