Implementing Integrated Lean Six Sigma for Software Development: A Flexibility Framework for Managing the Continuity: Change Dichotomy

Abstract

Continuity and change are the twin characteristics of any software development process as it evolves from the traditional life cycle approach to incorporating and managing flexibility from an end-user perspective. Business requirements constantly change till the release of a software product though the features of continuity are evident in the software development process itself. The idea of Lean, as borrowed from the Lean manufacturing context, is an agile methodology for managing change while the Six Sigma approach emphasizes continuous improvement as part of a defect reduction strategy. We propose a software development approach that holds together the aspects of both continuity and change under a flexible management system and illustrate the application of the continuity, change framework using an integrated Lean Six Sigma for software development in a practical context. The present research reflects the Lean Six Sigma application and implementation in the software industry, using the commonly used statistical and non-statistical tools, software engineering tools and other frameworks used within software business. We also examine some of the critical success factors (CSFs) for a successful Six Sigma initiative in the software/IT industry. The research brings out that Lean Six Sigma, when used for achieving operational excellence, can, as it turns out, do more than simply improve processes. The paper also brings out how Lean Six Sigma helps discovering innovation opportunities far beyond operations, and enhances financial performance. This paper focuses on integrated lean six sigma programs in practice, rather than dwell on the theoretical basis or a motivationally based argument. It is hoped that the adoption of methodologies outlined in this paper would enable software companies to attain improvements in terms of cost, schedule and quality.