| dc.description.abstract | In this master thesis, we aim to investigates the effectiveness of implementing Lean
Six Sigma methodologies in improving project management performance within New
Product Development projects in a voluntary organization. Lean Six Sigma, as an
integrated management approach combining Lean and Six Sigma principles, aims
to minimize waste and variability while maximizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The research seeks to determine whether it can provide a significant advantage
in managing New Product Development projects, particularly in the context
of voluntary organizations where resources are often scarce, and efficient resource
utilization is crucial.
A mixed-method research design was employed, encompassing quantitative and qualitative
data collection methods. The quantitative component involved reviewing
project documents and record, while the qualitative part consisted of in-depth interviews
with 20 participants, involved in the New Product Development projects.
Data analysis involved thematic analysis and comparing the project numbers before
and after introducing the new model to the case organization to assess the effectiveness
of Lean Six Sigma in improving New Product Development project management
performance.
The results revealed a positive correlation between the implementation of Lean Six
Sigma methodologies and improved project management performance. The case
organization reported significantly better results in terms of Learning and Knowledge
sharing, process efficiency, timeliness, cost management, risk management, and
project output quality.
The qualitative findings provided insights into the factors contributing to the effectiveness
of Lean Six Sigma in voluntary organization. Lean Six Sigma proved to
improve Change Request Success Rate in voluntary organizations via data-driven
decision-making and rigorous process application, enhancing the focus on problem
identification and root cause analysis. It also encourages proactive risk identification
and systematic mitigation, making voluntary organizations more resilient to
challenges. It positively impacts the number of shared documents, reflecting increased
knowledge sharing, decision-making accuracy, and transparency. Lean Six
Sigma also enhances meeting participation, improving team collaboration and cohesion,
and fosters a learning culture through Knowledge Application and a Lessons
Learned Repository. Finally, by emphasizing on continuous improvement, proactive
risk mitigation, and employee involvement, Lean Six Sgma contributes to improved
cost performance, better product requirement fulfillment, strategic alignment, and
higher process compliance, leading to a lower turnover rate.
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The research contributes to the body of knowledge on Lean Six Sigma impact of
project management by examining its application within the context of a voluntary
organization, a sector previously under-researched in relation to New Product Development
projects. The findings highlight the potential benefits of adopting Lean
Sis Sigma methodologies for managing New Product Development projects in such
organizations.
It is recommended that voluntary organizations engaged in New Product Development
projects consider adopting Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve project
management performance. This involves cultivating a culture of continuous improvement,
providing adequate training and resources, and ensuring top management
support. However, organizations must also be aware of potential challenges
and resistance to change, and plan for effective change management strategies to
facilitate successful implementation.
Limitations of the study include the reliance on data from only one case organization,
which may be subject to social desirability bias that the result can not be
generalized. Also, regarding the limited time available to complete the research, the
model was implemented only in the development phase of the New Product Development
project and the research lacks information from the front-end, design, and
planning phases.
Future research could explore results across different voluntary organizations and
contexts. Additionally, longitudinal studies examining the long-term effects of Lean
Six Sigma implementation in New Product Development project management in
voluntary organizations would be valuable to determine sustained benefits and potential
challenges over time.
Keywords: Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, New Product Development,
Voluntary Organizations | |