Modeling the Relationship between the Applications of Lean Six-Sigma Management Components with Customer-Oriented Approach in Academic Libraries in Tehran City, Iran

Introduction: Lean Six- Sigma management is the result of two approaches of Six- Sigma and lean manufacturing as both seek to improve processes and answer the needs of the users. The aim of this study was modeling the relationship between the applications of Lean Six-Sigma management components with customer-oriented approach in academic libraries in Tehran city, Iran. Methods: In this analytical applied study, the study population was all the managers and officials of the central libraries of Tehran universities under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Ministry of Science, which reached to 150 employees. Data collection was carried out using Library method and a questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts in librarianship and management and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient which was calculated to be 0.89 for Lean Six -Sigma questionnaire and 0.86 for customer-centric questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, test correlation matrix, t, and one-sample-t tests with the help of SPSS 20 and Lisrel software. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis.Results: The components based on facts and information management, limitless cooperation and information technology had a significant positive correlation with customer orientation in libraries and that these components had a suitable situation in academic libraries in Tehran city.Conclusion: The applications of Lean Six- Sigma management in the studied population are not desirable and it requires more attention by library managers.Keywords: Lean Six -Sigma management; Lean Six Sigma; Libraries; Customer Orientation