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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Journal ArticleDOI
Environmental management and operational performance in automotive companies in Brazil: The role of human resource management and lean manufacturing
Charbel José Chiappetta Jabbour,Ana Beatriz Lopes de Sousa Jabbour,Kannan Govindan,Adriano Alves Teixeira,Wesley Ricardo de Souza Freitas +4 more
TL;DR: UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista (The Sao Paulo State University), Avenida Engenheiro Edmundo Carrijo Coube, Bauru, Brazil, CEP 17033360 as discussed by the authors.
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The effects of lean production on worker job stress
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the neglected work condition aspect of lean production (LP) implementation, specifically the relationship between LP and worker job stress, using the Karasek job stress model to link shopfloor practices to expected worker stress.
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Implementing lean production systems: research areas and opportunities for future studies
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the research areas on lean production implementation and propose research opportunities, including structure and scope of LP systems, factors that influence in the LP implementation; methods for implementing LP systems; LP assessment methods; results of implementing LP system; and adaptation of LP to particular sectors.
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Power, Control and Resistance in ‘The Factory That Time Forgot’
TL;DR: This paper examined the experience of frustrated management efforts to re-engineer working practices, mainly at the point of production, in response to repeated corporate-driven initiatives designed to implement a range of "lean manufacturing" initiatives at the Northern Plant, a pseudonym.
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Quality and lean health care: A system for assessing and improving the health of healthcare organisations
TL;DR: The suggested system is based on a simplified excellence model called the ‘4P Excellence Model’ which contains both intangible systemic factors and more logical tangible factors and can be used for assessing the existing organisational culture in relation to ILL and for identifying necessary improvement areas.