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
More filters
Journal ArticleDOI
Applying the green Embedded lean production model in developing countries: A case study of china
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the logic, process, and mechanism of a "lean and green" deployment by firms in developing countries, using a scenario-activated analysis and examine existing lean and green practices.
Journal ArticleDOI
Lean Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability: The Effects of Employee Involvement, Stakeholder Pressure and ISO 14001
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors explored the relationships between lean manufacturing, the promotion of green practices, employee involvement, pressure to take actions against environmental issues, the adoption of an ISO 14001-based environmental management system (EMS) and environmental performance.
Journal ArticleDOI
Extending lean manufacturing in supply chains: a successful case in brazil
Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour,José Carlos Omodei Junior,Charbel José Chiappetta Jabbour +2 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the results of a success story involving the extending of lean manufacturing practices between a focal firm and its supplier, both located in Brazil, thereby configuring a case of excellence.
Dissertation
Developing safety culture interventions in the manufacturing sector
TL;DR: In this article, a mixed-method approach was adopted in order to assess the safety culture of the company and two safety culture improvement programmes (interventions) were designed to mesh with established quality management systems.
References
More filters
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.
Book
Lean thinking: banish waste and create wealth in your corporation (2nd, revised and updated ed.)
James P. Womack,Daniel T. Jones +1 more
TL;DR: The authors describe in detail how managers in a wide range of companies and industries - small, medium and large, North American, European and Japanese - transformed their business by applying the principles of lean thinking.
Book
Toyota Production System : Beyond Large-Scale Production
TL;DR: In this paper, Taiichi Ohno shares the genius that sets him apart as one of the most disciplined and creative thinkers of our time, and combines his candid insights with a rigorous analysis of Toyota's attempts at Lean production.
Book
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.