Jul 2026· International Journal of Lean Six Sigma· 0 citations· 60 references
TL;DR
The study identifies how SMEs and SME-like environments integrate LSS principles through a lens of critical success factors (CSFs), into DG through a triadic framework comprising: (1) structural role clarity, (2) process control through LSS tools and (3) organizational readiness.
Abstract
Data breaches continue to rise, placing unprecedented pressure on organizations to strengthen data governance (DG) practices. Lean six sigma (LSS), with its emphasis on structured processes and continuous improvement, offers a potential pathway for enhancing governance maturity. This study aims to explore how LSS principles can support and strengthen DG frameworks in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and SME-like environments, with the goal of informing more effective governance policies, improving decision-making and enabling resilient, data-driven operations.
A qualitative grounded theory methodology was employed to examine the under-theorized intersection of LSS and DG in SMEs and SME-like environments. Grounded theory was selected due to the limited empirical understanding of how process improvement methodologies can support governance and privacy in resource-constrained environments. This approach enabled the development of a data-driven conceptual framework derived from systematic grounded theory coding procedures, including iterative coding and constant comparative analysis, of semi-structured interviews.
The study identifies how SMEs and SME-like environments integrate LSS principles through a lens of critical success factors (CSFs), into DG through a triadic framework comprising: (1) structural role clarity, (2) process control through LSS tools and (3) organizational readiness. Four themes emerged: the strategic importance of DG for resilience and compliance; the distribution and formalization of governance roles; the use of LSS tools to improve data quality, role clarity and operational efficiency; and challenges related to resource limitations, resistance to change and capability gaps. Together, these findings reveal a structured pathway for SMEs to embed governance practices while addressing operational and cultural constraints.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides one of the first grounded theory examinations of how LSS can enhance DG in SMEs and SME-like environments. The emergent framework advances theoretical understanding by demonstrating how governance maturity develops at the intersection of role clarity, process control and organizational readiness. The study contributes a unique perspective by positioning LSS not only as a quality methodology but as a governance enabler, offering resource-constrained organizations a structured approach to institutionalizing resilient, data-driven governance practices.
This study explores how the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems influences Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) development within a regional organization in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic and matrix coding in NVivo. The results revealed that AI and ERP systems enhanced operational transparency, accountability, and efficiency through data centralization and process automation. Notably, digital adoption improved environmental monitoring, employee collaboration, and governance compliance, aligning technological transformation with sustainability outcomes. Leadership commitment and employee empowerment were identified as key mediators driving positive organizational culture and acceptance of digital systems. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of digital transformation by demonstrating how AI and ERP systems can advance ESG principles in regional enterprises. The findings offer practical implications for policymakers and managers seeking to promote sustainable digital transformation in developing economies.
Mahatthakorn Plensamai· Journal of Science and Techn...· 0 citations
Examining how artificial intelligence (AI) governance supports sustainable decision-making across organizational contexts in Europe reveals that governance increasingly aligns with formal frameworks through policies, dedicated structures, human oversight and Environmental, Social and Governance oriented indicators, enhancing transparency and reliability.
Fernando Almeida· Journal of Ethics in Entrepr...· 0 citations
Inefficiencies and low productivity persist in the construction industry due to limited digital integration and weak data use in decision-making. This study examines how internal data analytics, such as the systematic use of organisational data-like cost reports, safety logs, and project schedules, can enhance decision-making and organisational capability in New Zealand’s small- and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs). A comprehensive systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines analysed 76 peer-reviewed empirical and theoretical studies (2015–2025). A thematic synthesis was conducted using NVivo 12 Plus and VOSviewer to identify patterns grounded in Evidence-Based Management, the Knowledge-Based View, and Bounded Rationality theories. The research highlights that analytics tools, including Building Information Modelling, Decision Support Systems, and Internet of Things platforms, enable real-time visibility, predictive forecasting, and coordination, thereby transforming operational data into strategic intelligence. However, adoption barriers persist, with technical interoperability issues, organisational resistance, low data literacy, and weak governance structures, significantly impacting resource-constrained SMEs. The study proposes a strategic framework that addresses four critical domains: robust data governance, leadership commitment and training, alignment with maturity models, and integration of emerging technologies. These domains demonstrate potential for standardisation and capacity building within SMEs, which also have implications for SMEs in New Zealand. Overall, the research provides a socio-technical framework which positions analytics as a transformative enabler of organisational learning, governance transparency, and sustainable performance and could support the development of an evidence-based construction sector.
James O. B. Rotimi, Upuli Rasanjani Kaluarachchi Kaluarachchillage· Buildings· 0 citations
This paper aims to examine how sustainability is integrated into Lean Six Sigma (LSS) within the existing academic literature. While LSS is widely established as a process-oriented management system for performance and quality improvement, it remains unclear how sustainability is embedded in LSS frameworks, tools and governance structures. The study aims to structure this fragmented research field and to identify dominant integration logics and research gaps.
A scoping review identified 68 peer-reviewed studies (2015–2025) across major academic databases. The studies were analysed using an abductive coding approach focusing on organisational levels of integration, sustainability dimensions and integration logics.
The findings reveal a conceptually diverse but weakly consolidated research field. Sustainability is predominantly integrated into LSS at the strategic level, while integration into frameworks and tools remains limited. Most studies focus on ecological and economic sustainability, whereas social dimensions are addressed only marginally. Empirical research is concentrated in manufacturing contexts. The analysis shows a dominance of transversal and hybrid integration logics, indicating that sustainability often functions as an overarching steering logic rather than being systematically embedded in LSS methodologies.
Organisations should move beyond treating sustainability as a strategic framing and embed it more systematically into LSS frameworks, tools and project structures, by strengthening the op-erationalisation of social sustainability.
The paper contributes to LSS research by developing a typology of sustainability integration logics and by systematically analysing how sustainability is embedded across LSS frameworks, tools and governance structures.
C. Pfaff· International Journal of Lea...· 0 citations
A Systematic Literature Review that analyzed 61 primary studies selected from 126 initial records reveals a clear association between cost reduction and increased productivity within the economic dimension; waste reduction reflects progress in the environmental dimension; and the improvement of quality and value delivered to stakeholders aligns with the social dimension.
This research establishes a framework to evaluate how effectively financial institutions convert environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pressures into readiness for open innovation (EOIR). EOIR is conceptualized as a higher-order capability that encompasses environmental opportunity, social legitimacy, and governance discipline. This study employs a triangulated multi-criteria decision-making framework consisting of CRITIC, Shannon Entropy, and Fuzzy AHP weighting with MARCOS ranking, TOPSIS validation, and pillar-focused scenario analysis to evaluate ESG–open innovation readiness. Results inindicate the importance of governance practices, such as board independence, low controversies, and alignment with the Paris Agreement and environmental innovation. Data privacy outperforms representational social attributes. The MARCOS and TOPSIS rankings demonstrate a high degree of concordance; leaders maintain their stability across weighting philosophies, while mid-tier positions exhibit policy-sensitive mobility. Scenario analysis indicates a stable frontier, high top-10 overlap, and mid-teen rank shifts, highlighting actionable levers. The framework provides a transparent, reproducible multiple-criteria decision-making pipeline for EOIR measurement and clarifies important enablers, including credible governance, environmental technology alignment, and privacy-centric data governance, from a theoretical and practical perspective.
I. Velentzas, Georgia K. Broni, G. Panou et al.· Mathematics· 0 citations
