55-704588 Lean Operations and Six Sigma

Sections 2 and 3 of this assignment are to be completed as a group of four.

One member of the group will individually complete Task 1, and as a group complete Task 2.

The second member of the group will individually complete Task 3L, and as a group complete Task 2.

The third member of the group will individually complete Task 3R, and as a group complete Task 2.

The fourth member of the group will individually complete Task 4, and as a group complete Task 2.

The Tasks

You have been employed as a consultant to implement Lean and 6s within a local SME.

The case company details will be provided separately.

You have just less than two months to consider all the available material.  After which you are required to produce a written document detailing the options the manager should consider.

Task:

1) Critical review of the literature giving detailed examples of where within industry Lean and 6s have been applied, the strategies followed when implementing, the benefits achieved and whether there are any lessons to be learned. Based on what you have discovered provide and justify the use of key performance indicators you intend measuring your improvements against.

This is an individual task, student A

2) Create current and future state Value Stream Maps (VSM).

To be completed as a group of four.

3) With reference to each side of the factory, (left and right) and relating back to your future state VSM propose approaches which can feasibly be considered when implementing lean and 6s manufacturing principles within the case company. Stating where the most benefit would be gained. While documenting your implementation plan are there any tools and techniques which you would not implement; either immediately, within the year or indeed at any time? Noting that you need to refer to the literature when justifying your proposal.

This is two separate individual tasks. One student (B) should assess and propose changes to the lefthand side of the factory, another student (C) assessing the righthand side of the factory.

4) Being able to sustain the improvements implemented through Lean-6sigma initiatives is challenging. Critically discuss, with reference to the literature, how you would ensure that any changes implemented within the case company are sustainable in the long term.

This is an individual task, student D.

Conditions of Assessment

• This assignment is worth 50% of the total assessment load.
• It is expected that some of the information which you consider necessary to complete this assignment has been omitted and as such you will need to make a number of assumptions.  State all of the assumptions you have made in completing this assignment.
• Your work should be appropriately and correctly referenced using the APA standard as recognised within the University.  If you are unclear of how to reference your work, please seek guidance from the Study Skills Centre. 
• Select, explain and reflect upon core lean principles and techniques.
• For sections 1, 3 and 4 you are EACH expected to write 1500 words ±10% excluding the list of references.
• As a group you may also write up to 1500 words ±10% excluding the list of references for section 2.
• Late submission will result in a zero or capped mark being awarded in common with standard university regulations.
• On the front-page state which student has completed each part.
• I will assume that all parties will have contributed equally to the joint submission unless you notify us, in writing using the Group contribution form, BEFORE the submission date.
• Critical review of the literature giving detailed examples of where within industry Lean and 6s have been applied, the strategies followed when implementing, the benefits achieved and whether there are any lessons to be learned.
• Ideally, you should select partners from within your tutorial group.
• You do not need to tell me who your partners are before you submit. However, if you require assistance in forming a three then please use the discussion board on blackboard.