Effectiveness of Lean Sigma Strategy on Continuous Improvement at Glaxosmithkline

Abstract

Lean Sigma strategy implementation has improved organizations and delivered savings and continuous improvement in performance. GlaxoSmithKline is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies with about 180 employees and product portfolio in the category of oral care and emulsions, over the counter medicines, nutritional health drinks and prescription products. To better its way of doing business and align to the current practices and environmental change, the organization has continued to change through Mergers and introduction and subsequent implementation of Lean Sigma continuous improvement strategy. The research used a case study research design to establish the effectiveness of Lean Sigma strategy on continuous improvement at GlaxoSmithKline. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used to obtain information for the study. Respondents were eight (8) employees with each from production, supply and logistics, Engineering, quality and compliance, operational excellence departments, one works council representative, the site director and general manager consumer. The researcher used descriptive and content analysis to analyze the data. This is because content analysis involves observation and detailed description. The research findings show that GlaxoSmithKline has a strategic plan which consists among others Lean Sigma implementation which was introduced in 2002 and effectively delivered performance improvement in waste reduction, financial savings, overall equipment effectiveness, stock availability to customers, quality, productivity, culture change, knowledge sharing and communication, empowerment of employees as well as reduction in customer complaints. The strategy brought together two cultures brought about by the merger integration of the former Smith Kline Beecham and Glaxo welcome into one culture. Indeed tangible savings were achieved and hence improvement in the bottom line of the business. The management believes Lean Sigma plays a big role in achievement of GlaxoSmithKline strategic intent. Lean Sigma strategy should be proactively extended to marketing, sales and distribution. A related study could be carried out using the entire population to get each and every one’s feedback on Lean Sigma strategy.