A Comparative Analysis of Integrating Lean Concepts into Supply Chain Management in Manufacturing and Service Industries

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to present an analysis of the effectiveness of lean techniques and their applications in the supply chain using a survey administered across multiple industries. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of lean based on the specific techniques and implementation methods used, analyze strategies for implementing lean into the supply chain, and to analyze the reasons for both their success or failure.

Design/methodology/approach: Through a survey administered across multiple industries to individuals familiar with lean concepts and techniques, lean performance is assessed both within the organization and their supply chain based on the specific techniques and strategies for implementation.

Findings: Organizations indicated that training their suppliers in lean methodologies provided significant time and financial benefits.

Research limitations/implications: Some implications for deploying lean in the supply chain in a variety of industries are discussed. A more extensive survey with a larger respondent pool will provide greater insight and a more statistically significant quantitative analysis.

Originality/value: Prior research has focused mainly on the effect of continuous improvement practices on performance. In contrast, this research collected data through a survey administered across multiple industries and analyzed the effectiveness of specific lean techniques and their application in the supply chain.

Department(s)

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

Second Department

Business and Information Technology

Keywords and Phrases

Lean production; Manufacturing industries; Supply chain management

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2040-4166

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2011 Emerald, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2011

Link to Full Text

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