A readiness assessment of lean six sigma implementation in the ceramic industry: India’s small and medium enterprises perspective

In the present work readiness assessment for LSS implementation in the ceramic industry (RALiCI) has been made using Fuzzy rules based on LSS readiness factors (enablers, criteria, and attributes) and critical success factors (CSF). The CSF factors have been identified by conducting the questionnaire in 90 small and medium-scale ceramic industries (SMEs) located in India. Both CSF and LSS readiness factors have been integrated with each other in RALiCI model. In RALiCI model total 3 enablers, 8 criteria, and 54 attributes have been developed using literature and a questionnaire. It has been observed that fuzzy readiness assessment for LSS implementation in the ceramic industry is 2.59, 4.03, 5.46, which indicates that the industry is less ready. Therefore, essential corrective actions have been recommended for improvement by employing a fuzzy performance importance index (FPII) where 31 from 54 attributes have been observed as weaker attributes. The model will help the managers and researchers to check the potential of the industries.