International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences Vol. 2, No. 2, 85–109, 2017 ISSN: 2455-7749 85 Significant Factors of the Successful Lean Six-Sigma Implementation Ljubisa Papic * University of Kragujevac Faculty of Technical Sciences Cacak, Serbia and DQM Research Center, Prijevor, Serbia dqmcenter@mts.rs * Corresponding autor Mihailo Mladjenovic University of Toronto SCS The Sensei Group Aurora, Canada michael.mladjenovic@thesenseigroup.com Andres Carrion Garcia Polytechnic University of Valencia Department of Statistics Operation Research and Quality, Valencia, Spain acarrion@eio.upv.es Deepti Aggrawal Keshav Mahavidyalaya University of Delhi Delhi- 110034, India deepti.aggrawal@gmail.com (Received September 29, 2016; Accepted November 30, 2016) Abstract Based on an extensive literature review we have selected factors critical for Lean Six Sigma implementation success. Four variables were selected to be used as output variables measuring this project success: project on time completion, achievement of financial goals, sigma level achieved (that was measured using Defects per Million Opportunities, DPMO), and overall project success. Using empirical data from 256 Lean Six Sigma Projects, we present the model developed and identify significant factors for Lean Six Sigma implementation success. Empirical results, which were collected during Lean Six Sigma implementation in 39 business units of an Automotive Sector Company in North America and Europe, were analysed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and General Linear Model (GLM). Two main factors were found as positively linked with the different aspects of project success: the competency of the Black Belts team and the management support to the project. Keywords- Lean six sigma, Success factors, Statistical modeling, Six sigma project. 1. Introduction The Lean Six Sigma methodology is the most effective continuous improvement approach that can support an organization to maintain its competitive position in the global market, and achieve business goals and organizational excellence. For example, we can quote Dan G. Colton, Executive Vice President, Corporate Quality at Seagate, who stated (Brue, 2000; Brue, 2002): "In terms of a system that can be deployed across all elements of our business, we found no other system that could accomplish what Six Sigma can. The Six Sigma extends well beyond