A hybrid model for ranking critical successful factors of lean six sigma in the oil and gas industry

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to find and prioritise multiple critical success factors (CSFs) for the implementation of LSS in the oil and gas industry. Design/methodology/approach - Based on a preselected list of possible CFSs, experts are involved in screening them with the Delphi method. As a result, 22 customised CSFs are selected. To prioritise these CSFs, the step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) method is applied to find weights corresponding to the decision-making preferences. Since the regular permutation-based weight assessment can be classified as NP-hard, the problem is solved by a metaheuristic method. For this purpose, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used. Findings - The resulting prioritisation of CSFs helps companies find out which factors have a high priority in order to focus on them. The less important factors can be neglected and thus do not require limited resources. Research limitations/implications - Only a specific set of methods have been considered. Practical implications - The resulting prioritisation of CSFs helps companies find out which factors have a high priority in order to focus on them.Social implicationsThe methodology supports respective evaluations in general. Originality/value - The paper contributes to the very limited research on the implementation of LSS in the oil and gas industry, and, in addition, it suggests the usage of SWARA, a permutation method and a GA, which have not yet been researched, for the prioritisation of CSFs of LSS.