Open Access
Defining Lean Production : Some conceptual and practical issues
Jostein Pettersen
- Iss: 033, pp 285-300
TLDR
In this paper, the authors 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, and conclude that Lean Production is not clearly defined in the reviewed literature.Abstract:
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 paperread more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
The rhetoric and reality of Lean: a multiple case study
Jostein Langstrand,Erik Drotz +1 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyse the similarities and differences between the descriptions of Lean found in the extant literature and how it is applied in practice, finding that the decision to implement Lean often precedes the identification of problems in the organisation, which causes a risk of an unfocused change process.
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Lean supply chain practices: an exploratory study on their relationship
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the adoption level of 27 LSC practices, which were identified in a literature review, within 113 manufacturing companies from different sectors located in Southern Brazil.
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Alternatives to Lean Production: Work Organization in the Swedish Auto Industry
TL;DR: In this article, Alternatives to Lean Production: Work Organization in the Swedish Auto Industry is discussed, with a focus on the role of the unionized workforce in the development of the Swedish automotive industry.
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Lean production and work-related musculoskeletal disorders: overviews of international and Swedish studies.
Mikael Brännmark,Malin Håkansson +1 more
TL;DR: The general conclusion was that a Lean implementation may increase the risk of W MSD and risk factors for WMSD, if it is not accompanied with an ergonomic intervention.
Journal ArticleDOI
Dynamic Lean Assessment for Takt Time Implementation
Rehab M. Ali,Ahmed M. Deif +1 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a dynamic model to evaluate the degree of leanness in manufacturing firms based on system dynamics approach and presents a "leanness score" for the manufacturing system.
References
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Posted Content
Out of the Crisis
TL;DR: Deming's theory of management based on the 14 Points for Management is described in Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982 as mentioned in this paper, where he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.
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Toyota Production System : Beyond Large-Scale Production
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The Toyota way : 14 management principles from the world's greatest manufacturer
TL;DR: The "Toyota Way" as mentioned in this paper is a set of 14 management principles and philosophy that drive Toyota's quality and efficiency-obsessed culture, and can be applied to any business process, whether in services or manufacturing.
Journal ArticleDOI
Lean manufacturing: context, practice bundles, and performance
Rachna Shah,Peter T. Ward +1 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of three contextual factors, plant size, plant age and unionization status, on the likelihood of implementing 22 manufacturing practices that are key facets of lean production systems are examined.