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
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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.
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.
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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.