CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS OF LEAN SIX SIGMA IN SMES: A STRUCTUREDREVIEW

Abstract

This study aims to identify and synthesize the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) influencing Lean Six Sigma (LSS)
implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted
using the PRISMA framework to identify, screen, and evaluate relevant studies retrieved from the Scopus
database. From an initial pool of 164 articles, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for
detailed analysis. Descriptive, bibliometric, and thematic analyses were employed to examine publication
trends, industrial sectors, research methodologies, and dominant implementation factors. The findings
indicate that Lean Six Sigma research remains highly concentrated in the manufacturing sector, while studies
focusing specifically on SMEs remain relatively limited. The review identified several dominant Critical Success
Factors, including top management commitment, employee involvement, training and education, customer
focus, organizational culture, strategic alignment, continuous improvement orientation, resource allocation,
and technology readiness. The findings suggest that successful Lean Six Sigma implementation in SMEs
depends not only on technical tools and methodologies but also on organizational readiness and managerial
capability. This study contributes to the literature by providing an updated mapping of Lean Six Sigma research
within SME contexts and offers practical guidance for SME practitioners seeking to implement continuous
improvement initiatives effectively.