Lean removes many forms of ______________ so Six Sigma can focus on reducing _______________.

The statement describes the complementary relationship between Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Lean's primary objective is to enhance process speed and efficiency by systematically identifying and eliminating non-value-added activities, which are categorized as the eight forms of waste (Muda). Once a process is streamlined and waste is removed, the underlying sources of process variation become more apparent. This is where Six Sigma is applied. Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology focused on reducing process variation to minimize defects and improve quality and consistency. Therefore, Lean removes waste, creating a more efficient process, which allows Six Sigma to effectively focus on reducing variability.

B. Inventory is only one specific type of waste, and defects are the result of variability, which is Six Sigma's primary target.
C. Cost reduction is a business outcome of applying these methodologies, not the direct technical focus of Six Sigma, which is variation.
D. Movement is a single form of waste, making the first term too narrow. The broader term "waste" is more accurate.

1. Snee

R. D. (2010). Lean Six Sigma–getting better all the time. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma

1(1)

9-29. In Section "Lean Six Sigma"

p. 11

the author states

"Lean focuses on improving process speed and eliminating the eight deadly wastes... Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation and the associated defects." (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/20401461011033130)

2. George

M. L. (2002). Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma quality with lean speed. McGraw-Hill. In Chapter 1

"The Need for Speed and Quality

" p. 4

the text explains

"Lean is a process-improvement methodology used to deliver products and services better

faster

and at a lower cost... Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology used to achieve a predictable and stable process." The chapter further elaborates that Lean targets waste while Six Sigma targets variation.

3. Salah

S.

Rahim

A.

& Carretero

J. A. (2010). The integration of Six Sigma and lean management. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma

1(3)

249-274. The abstract states

"Lean is focused on waste reduction

whereas Six Sigma is focused on variation reduction." (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/20401461011075035)