Challenges in the transformation to lean production from different manufacturing process choices : a path-dependent perspective
Journal
International Journal of Production Research
ISSN
0020-7543
ISSN-Digital
1366-588X
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2011-07
Author(s)
Abstract
The implementation of lean production remains popular among industrial companies and the requirement for individualised steps in its implementation is widely accepted; however, research has not yet considered the different process choices available to the companies. The conclusions drawn from the automotive industry's mass production environment may be misleading, given the different conditions of many other industries. We therefore compare case data from a craft producer with the rich, case-study based literature of mass producer companies that highlight the transformation from mass to lean production. We derive a list of specific challenges a craft producer must approach using a different strategy than a mass producer. This study adds to the lean production theory by demonstrating how different manufacturing process choices influence the lean transformation process and its successful implementation. It provides specific propositions concerning the transformation to lean by considering the different processes of craft and mass production companies. Furthermore, the case study gives an in-depth understanding of the challenges a craft-oriented company faces when becoming lean.
Language
English
Keywords
lean production
craft production
mass production
path dependency
case study
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher place
London UK
Volume
50
Number
14
Start page
3956
End page
3973
Pages
18
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
209855