Purpose - This paper aims to investigate the definition of Lean Production and the methods and goals associated with the concept as well as how it differs from other popular management concepts. Methodology/Approach - The paper is based on a review of the contemporary literature on Lean Production, both journal articles and books. Findings - It is shown in the paper that there is no consensus on a definition of Lean Production between the examined authors. The authors also seem to have different opinions on which characteristics that should be associated with the concept. Overall it can be concluded that Lean Production is not clearly defined in the reviewed literature. This divergence can cause some confusion on a theoretical level, but is probably more problematic on a practical level when organizations aim to implement the concept. This paper argues that it is important for an organization to acknowledge the different variations, and to raise the awareness of the input in the implementation process. It is further argued that the organization should not accept any random variant of Lean, but make active choices and adapt the concept to suit the organization-s needs. Through this process of adaptation, the organization will be able to increase the odds of performing a predictable and successful implementation. Originality/Value - This paper provides a critical perspective on the discourse surrounding Lean Production, and gives an input to the discussion of the implementation of management models. Keywords - Lean Production, Definition, Construct Validity, Total Quality Management Paper type - Conceptual paper

https://www.ep.liu.se/ecp/033/025/ecp0803325.pdf

Defining Lean Production : Some conceptual and practical issues

Friction stir welding/processing of metals and alloys: A comprehensive review on microstructural evolution

This paper reviews the research and development works conducted over the past few decades on carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (CFR-MMC). The structure and composition of carbon fiber and its bonding to metal matrix have an impact on the properties of the resulting CFR-MMC remarkably. The research efforts on process optimization and utilizing of carbon fibers are discussed in this review. The effect of carbon fiber on structural, physical and mechanical properties of metal matrix composite are studied as well. This review also provide an overview of the research to date on various fabrication methods that is used for production of CFR-MMC.

Carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composites: Fabrication processes and properties

Two problems facing FIRST and other contemporary silicon compilers concern the design, verification and support of new functional elements (primitives), and the difficulty of maintaining this investment through changes in fabrication technology Techniques are required to enable compiler users to specify new functional elements to suit their application Provision of this functional flexibility should not re-impose the burden of complexity (lifted by the silicon compiler) on the user Software tools must manage the increased flexibility, leaving the user free to reap its benefits

The Second Generation

An investigation on lean-green implementation practices in Indian SMEs using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach

Production and some properties of Si3N4 reinforced aluminium alloy composites

A study on microstructure of aluminium matrix composites

Purpose



– Six Sigma within small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is rapidly emerging as the new wave of change in Six Sigma. The purpose of this paper is to review the implications of applying Six Sigma methodology over the SMEs, taking a specific case of a bicycle chain manufacturing unit. The study could be a paradigm initiative towards high quality products and services at low cost for every SME.




Design/methodology/approach



– Based on the literature, this paper proposes a process flow chart to present a one‐shot picture of the Six Sigma application in a bicycle chain manufacturing unit which falls in an SME environment. The methodology adopted is DMAIC methodology of Six Sigma, which had been mostly successful so far in large‐scale industries. The methodology has been applied to reduce the bush rejection rate (bush is an important component of a cycle chain) by reducing defects inherent in the processes. The statistical techniques such as two sample t‐test and process capability analysis have been used to establish the process capability before and after the Six Sigma application.




Findings



– This paper is an attempt to justify the highly useful role of quality management techniques like Six Sigma for SMEs which are normally presumed to be in the domain of large industries. In this paper, Six Sigma methodology has been applied to a small unit manufacturing bicycles chains with dwindling productivity levels. After applying Six Sigma it was found that the chain manufacturing firm can increase its profit by controlling high rejection rate of cycle chain bush. Application of Six Sigma project recommendation brought up the process sigma level to 5.46 from 1.40 by reduction in bush diameter variation in the process of bicycle chain bush manufacturing. This increase in sigma level is equivalent to monetary saving of Rs 0.288 million per annum, which is a noteworthy figure for an industry of such level. The success of this study paves the way to further extend the Six Sigma application to more such industries working in the SME environment.




Originality/value



– This paper provides documented evidence of Six Sigma implementation in a bicycle chain manufacturing unit which has been taken as representative of a small and medium‐size industry. The study will yield a great value to academics, consultants, researchers and practitioners of Six Sigma.

A case study : Application of Six Sigma methodology in a small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprise

The effect of graphite particles on the dry sliding wear behaviour of Al6082 alloy composites produced by conventional stir casting method has been investigated. The percentage of reinforcement was varied from 0% to 12% in a step of 3. The result showed that with the addition of graphite particles micro- and macro-hardness reduced by 11.11% and 10.44%, respectively. The tribological behaviour of composites was investigated by pin on disc apparatus. Percentage reinforcement, load, sliding speed and sliding distance were taken as the process variable. Response surface methodology has been used to plan and analyze the experiment. Results showed that sliding distance is the most influential factor and load is the factor which affects the wear least.

Dry sliding wear investigation of Al6082/Gr metal matrix composites by response surface methodology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to uncover the significance of quick changeovers in die‐casting foundry environments.Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives set‐up instructions and guidelines to prepare the standardized set‐up procedure without ignoring actual constraints in foundries. It uses a case study in a medium scale piston foundry to generate an integrated set‐up reduction approach, utilizing single minute exchange of die (SMED)‐based industrial engineering tools to achieve faster set‐ups. It describes the feasibility of quick changeovers in foundry small and medium enterprises based on a “SMED” approach. Finally, the paper carries out empirical analysis of the financial/non‐financial benefits incurred from set‐up reductions.Findings – Set‐up activities are a vital part of the production lead‐time of any product and so affect overall product cost. Tools like Pareto analysis, root‐cause analysis and method study have been used to analyze the existing procedure of set‐ups. A SMED approa...

Dinesh Khanduja

Papers

Production and some properties of Si3N4 reinforced aluminium alloy composites

A study on microstructure of aluminium matrix composites

A case study : Application of Six Sigma methodology in a small and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprise

Dry sliding wear investigation of Al6082/Gr metal matrix composites by response surface methodology

SMED: for quick changeovers in foundry SMEs