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Conceptions and operational use of value and waste in lean manufacturing – an interpretivist approach

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  • Peter E. Johansson
  • Christer Osterman

Abstract

In this article, we explore how the key concepts of lean manufacturing, value, value adding and waste are conceived and operationally used by Lean trainers in operational work processes. A comparative case study with a mixed method approach, using an explanatory sequential design, was conducted. This means that a set of quantitative data were collected, which was followed by the collection of qualitative data with the purpose of explaining and understanding the quantitative measures. An interpretivist approach is used as a framework, which implies a perspective on contemporary operations management paradigms, such as lean manufacturing, as a continuous construction of inter-subjective experiences. What becomes evident in the empirical findings is that there are both similarities and differences in the Lean trainers conceptions and use of value adding and waste. The similarities and differences can be explained by variations in two dimensions: (a) the character of the work process, which ranges between mechanical and craftsmanship, and (b) Lean trainers approach to key concepts, which ranges between being rule-based and reflective. By using a research design where the concepts of value adding and waste were used simultaneously, and adopting an interpretivist approach on lean manufacturing, we were able to reveal conditions that in other cases remain hidden.

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  • Peter E. Johansson & Christer Osterman, 2017. "Conceptions and operational use of value and waste in lean manufacturing – an interpretivist approach," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(23), pages 6903-6915, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tprsxx:v:55:y:2017:i:23:p:6903-6915
    DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2017.1326642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fujimoto, Takahiro, 1999. "The Evolution of Manufacturing Systems at Toyota," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195123203, Decembrie.
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    1. Soliman, Marlon & Saurin, Tarcisio Abreu & Anzanello, Michel Jose, 2018. "The impacts of lean production on the complexity of socio-technical systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 342-357.
    2. Song, Yazhi & Li, Yin & Liu, Tiansen, 2023. "Carbon asset remolding and potential benefit measurement of machinery products in the light of lean production and low-carbon investment," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 186(PB).
    3. Henrik Franke & Stephanie Eckerd & Kai Foerstl, 2022. "Rising to the Top: Motivational Forces Influencing Status Conflict in Sourcing Teams," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 31(3), pages 963-983, March.

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