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Implementing Lean Sigma in pharmaceutical research and development: a review by practitioners
Author(s) -
Carleysmith Stephen W.,
Dufton Ann M.,
Altria Kevin D.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
randd management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.253
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1467-9310
pISSN - 0033-6807
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9310.2008.00542.x
Subject(s) - six sigma , lean six sigma , human performance technology , lean manufacturing , lean project management , process management , manufacturing engineering , business , computer science , operations management , engineering
The authors recount their experience of the implementation of lean thinking and Six Sigma in pharmaceutical development research and development (R&D). Use of Lean Sigma in pharmaceutical manufacturing is widespread and generally noncontentious. Lean Sigma is used successfully to improve the development of new pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. However, the value of the application of lean and Six Sigma ideas to research & development is controversial. Published material is reviewed, and then the methods, tools, barriers and benefits are discussed, with recommendations for implementation of Lean Sigma into an R&D organisation.