Purpose: This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework of the implementation of the contact points (CPs) between Lean Six Sigma practices and Industry 4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was carried out based on two samples. A first sample containing 78 articles was analyzed through bibliometric indicators. After that, a second sample of 33 articles was analyzed in-depth according to research questions.Findings: The conceptual framework involves 13 CPs between Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices and I4.0 technologies (what), going through the technical requirements needed (how), categorized as information technology (IT), automation and competence requirements, to finally present the main results reported in the literature (why).Research limitations/implications: This paper presents an innovative perspective of interactions between digital technologies and LSS practices, expanding knowledge about Digital LSS. Such perspective gives emphasis to the importance of technical requirements, such as communication and connectivity protocols, network topology, machine-to-machine communication (M2M), human–machine interfaces (HMI), as well as analytical and digital skills.Practical implications: The managerial implications regarding the digitalization of LSS practices address the investments required for the acquisition and maintenance of cyber-physical systems (CPS). Moreover, there is a need for the development of skills so that operators can successfully use the new technologies in a context of continuous improvement.Originality/value: This paper presents a conceptual framework covering 13 CPs between LSS practices and Industry 4.0 technologies, the technical requirements and the expected results. It is hoped that this framework can assist future research and operational excellence projects towards digitalization.

Purpose: Competitive pressures force companies to seek solutions to eliminate wastes while improving product quality. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been considered one of the most effective approaches for business transformation. This article aims to present an empirical case study where LSS and Define, Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control (DMAIC) methodologies are applied to reduce defects in a car parts manufacturer.Design/methodology/approach: The study follows the DMAIC methodology. Design of experiments and hypothesis testing were applied in a single case study.Findings: The main defects and the main factors that cause defective parts were indicated for die-casting and machining processes. Solutions implemented reduced the defect incidence from a chronically high level to an acceptable one. The sigma level rose from 3.4 s to 4 s sustainably.Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to a single case study, without intention of generalizing the results to other types of industries.Practical implications: This paper can be a useful guide of how to use DMAIC Six Sigma approach to defect reduction and can be applied in many sectors.Social implications: This study offers the knowledge on how to apply the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, reducing the dependence on specialization courses.Originality/value: This study describes in detail the process used in a structured improvement exercise including sigma-level calculation, factorial experiments and hypothesis tests – a set of techniques still poorly combined in the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a bibliometric study about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing process and to conduct an analysis of sources of publication, authorship, citations and other bibliometric indicators. This paper also identifies the research agenda for future research related to the LSS approach in manufacturing processes.Design/methodology/approach: A total of 508 articles published during the period 2002 to 2017 were collected through an automated process from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and later analyzed using techniques such as data mining, bibliometric indicators analysis, cluster analysis, network analysis and word cloud. The boundaries of the study cover studies directed to the manufacturing processes.Findings: The research identified 1,110 authors from 54 countries and 15 most prolific journals among the 162 journals investigated. The study unveils relevant articles, authors and journals that have discussed LSS initiatives in the manufacturing process.Practical implications: The study findings can make practitioners aware of the state of the art and the specificities of the most prolific studies. Furthermore, this paper also intends to clarify the project themes and tools most used in these works.Originality/value: The geographical locations of influential articles and authors are revealed. Additionally, frequently used words are listed and helped to develop a research agenda that highlights relevant themes, methods and industries.

University–industry collaborations create socioeconomic impacts for the areas where they are undertaken. Although these collaborations have recognized importance and a high potential to generate economic and social benefits, there is no consensus in the literature on a consolidated conceptual model for assessing their socioeconomic impacts. Given this scenario, this study reviews 94 studies on the socioeconomic impact of university–industry collaborations using a context–intervention–mechanism–outcomes configuration. The impacts identified in the systematic literature review are classified into: (1) economic, (2) social, and (3) financial. The systematic literature review also indicates that the impact of collaborations can change the context and enhance the mechanisms of technology transfer. From a theoretical viewpoint, this work contributes to the structuring of a conceptual model for assessing the socioeconomic impacts of university–industry collaborations. In addition, the results have contributions for management in each strand of the triple helix: they may be useful to guide universities and companies on how to assess the socioeconomic impacts of each collaboration, direct public agents in the evaluation of results of investments, and support the development of policies for innovation and technology management.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to analyse and propose alternatives to the lack of integration and cooperation of industrial firms in a Brazilian cluster of the jewelry sector. The relationships between the functional factors and the surrounding factors of the cluster are examined.Design/methodology/approach: This research is based on a face‐to‐face survey that established relationships between the internal factor/variables of the companies, the cluster and the external environment's factor/variables.Findings: It was found that integration and cooperation are essential for the development of a cluster since it stimulates the use of local resources. High levels of clusters' inter‐firm integration may represent high levels of operational efficiency.Research limitations/implications: This study has some limitations related to generalizations, but it can be said that the statistical tools applied to characterize the companies' subgroups in a cluster proved valid. In view of this, further research on other local productive systems is suggested in order to strengthen the propositions making use of the same tools described in this study.Practical implications: The findings indicate the need for strategic actions by the companies in order to seize opportunities to promote local innovation.Originality/value: The paper indicates an enterprise's classification according to the characteristics of the company's competitive strategy.