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Sustainability of process improvements: an application of the experiential learning model (ELM)

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  • Satya S. Chakravorty
  • Douglas N. Hales

Abstract

Despite the pervasiveness of process improvement (Lean or Six Sigma) programmes, there is a rising concern regarding the sustainability of these programmes. Several studies point out that initial operational efficiency gains as a result of these programmes simply disappear over time. Using process improvement implementation experiences in an aircraft manufacturing and distribution operation, we studied long-term sustainability of process improvement events. We found that process owners of successful improvement events applied experiential learning model (ELM). The ELM is a cycle of – (1) concrete experience, (2) reflective observations, and (3) abstract conceptualizations, and (4) active experimentation. This study finds that when the ELM cycle is repeated many times over an extended period to continuously improve, and documented using A3 reports, that the improvement is sustained.

Suggested Citation

  • Satya S. Chakravorty & Douglas N. Hales, 2017. "Sustainability of process improvements: an application of the experiential learning model (ELM)," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(17), pages 4931-4947, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tprsxx:v:55:y:2017:i:17:p:4931-4947
    DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2016.1277278
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    Cited by:

    1. Costa, Federica & Lispi, Leonardo & Staudacher, Alberto Portioli & Rossini, Matteo & Kundu, Kaustav & Cifone, Fabiana Dafne, 2019. "How to foster Sustainable Continuous Improvement: A cause-effect relations map of Lean soft practices," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    2. Tucci, Henrricco Nieves Pujol & de Oliveira Neto, Geraldo Cardoso & Rodrigues, Flávio Luiz & Giannetti, Biagio F. & Almeida, Cecília Maria Villa Boas de, 2021. "Six sigma with the blue economy fundamentals to assess the economic and environmental performance in the aircraft refueling process," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

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