ISM and Fuzzy MICMAC application for analysis of Lean Six Sigma barriers with environmental considerations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to prioritize and analyze the barriers that affect Lean Six Sigma (LSS) adoption with environmental considerations. Design/methodology/approach: To find interrelationships and mutual influences among the identified barriers, an integrated interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and Fuzzy MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement approach was applied). In total, 20 crucial barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been derived from the literature and in consultation with experts hailing from the industry and academia. Findings: Based on the analysis, the most dominant and dependent barriers that affects LSS adoption with environmental considerations have been identified. The barriers, namely, “lack of top management commitment”, “lack of training and education” and “lack of funds for green projects”, occupy the base segment of the ISM hierarchy; the barriers, namely, “difficulty in adopting environmental strategies”, “stringent government policies”, “negative attitude towards sustainability concepts”, “improper communication” and “lack of defect monitoring analysis”, occupy the top level of the ISM hierarchy. Practical implications: The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using a mathematical approach. This approach is also helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and to enable LSS adoption with environmental considerations smoothly. Originality/value: The analysis helped in identifying and prioritizing the barriers that affect LSS adoption with environmental considerations using the Fuzzy MICMAC approach which has not been attempted in the past. The structural model is developed holistically based on the inputs gathered from practitioners and academicians to ensure practical validity. Also, this approach is helpful for practitioners to focus on removing the key dominant barriers and enabling them to deploy LSS concepts with environmental considerations smoothly.