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Implementing lean—Outcomes from SME case studies

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  • Pearce, Antony
  • Pons, Dirk
  • Neitzert, Thomas

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to identify critical success factors for lean implementation. It followed two first-time implementations of lean in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The case studies collectively spanned over four years. It was observed that the real problem with achieving lean success was not management commitment but their ignorance of what they should commit to, hence a knowledge problem. This paper provides new insights into the role of knowledge as a causal factor in the successful implementation of lean and especially in organisations with limited resources. For practitioners, management knowledge needs active consideration in the implementation phase. Management knowledge is particularly significant in SME implementations due to their resource constraints. Researchers still need to define the success factors more explicitly, including the specific management commitments.

Suggested Citation

  • Pearce, Antony & Pons, Dirk & Neitzert, Thomas, 2018. "Implementing lean—Outcomes from SME case studies," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 5(C), pages 94-104.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:oprepe:v:5:y:2018:i:c:p:94-104
    DOI: 10.1016/j.orp.2018.02.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Costa, Federica & Lispi, Leonardo & Staudacher, Alberto Portioli & Rossini, Matteo & Kundu, Kaustav & Cifone, Fabiana Dafne, 2019. "How to foster Sustainable Continuous Improvement: A cause-effect relations map of Lean soft practices," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    3. Agnetis, Alessandro & Bianciardi, Caterina & Iasparra, Nicola, 2019. "Integrating lean thinking and mathematical optimization: A case study in appointment scheduling of hematological treatments," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    4. Pearce, Antony & Pons, Dirk, 2019. "Advancing lean management: The missing quantitative approach," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    5. Chiu, Yuan-Shyi Peter & Chiu, Victoria & Lin, Hong-Dar & Chang, Huei-Hsin, 2019. "Meeting multiproduct demand with a hybrid inventory replenishment system featuring quality reassurance," Operations Research Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 6(C).
    6. Naradda Gamage, Sisira Kumara & Ekanayake, EMS & Abeyrathne, GAKNJ & Prasanna, RPIR & Jayasundara, JMSB & Rajapakshe, PSK, 2019. "Global Challenges and Survival Strategies of the SMEs in the Era of Economic Globalization: A Systematic Review," MPRA Paper 98419, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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