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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One-to-one relationships between Industry 4.0 technologies and Lean Production techniques: a multiple case study
TL;DR: A multiple case studies research to explain the one-to-one relationships between LP techniques and I4.0 technologies and proposes a framework on the relationships between the two paradigms structured into six areas drawn from previous research, which clarifies the interdependence of the two Paradigms in the whole supply chain.
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Lean and US manufacturing industry: popularity of practices and implementation barriers
TL;DR: The most beneficial and least difficult lean strategies, their implementation level, and the real challenges for implementing lean were also identified to help both lean practitioner and non-practitioner for the lean journey as discussed by the authors.
Exploring Lean Construction Practice, Research, and Education
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss how lean production transitioned to construction and what researchers and practitioners might do to sustain learning and promote change throughout the industry, and suggest that without a sustained effort to engage people in meaningful learning experiences Lean Construction may be viewed as a fad in the construction industry.
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Proposition of a model for measuring adherence to lean practices: applied to Turkish automotive part suppliers
TL;DR: In this paper, a model for measuring adherence to lean practices for automotive part suppliers and assessing the relationship between the firm performance and the adoption of lean principles is developed by utilising the lean practices defined in the literature.
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Impact of lean practices on performance measures in context to Indian machine tool industry
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