The integration of Six Sigma and lean management

Purpose Lean and Six Sigma are the two most important continuous improvement (CI) methodologies for achieving operational and service excellence in any organization. The purpose of this paper is to explain how lean compares to the Six Sigma and outline the benefits for integrating them. Also, this paper discusses the existing models that describe how Six Sigma and lean fit together. A new detailed description for integrating Six Sigma and lean is developed to provide an improved approach for CI. Design/methodology/approach The following research included proposals and discussion, which were mainly based on the authors' own findings and experience, in addition to a literature‐based review of some of the most common and traditional lean and Six Sigma models. Findings The paper proposes a new lean Six Sigma (LSS) approach and provides a detailed description of its phases. The paper also presents the views on the integration benefits as well as on how Six Sigma compares to lean. Six Sigma and lean are related and share common grounds in terms of striving to achieve customer satisfaction. Their integration is concluded to be possible and beneficial. Research limitations/implications The paper discusses the existing models that describe how Six Sigma and lean fit together. Finally, a new detailed description for integrating Six Sigma and lean is developed to provide an improved approach for CI. Originality/value The paper extends previous works on LSS and proposes a novel approach to LSS. The proposed structure is built upon the existing define, measure, analyze, improve and control structure which is well renowned in the literature.