This paper explores the relationship between simulation and the emerging topics of Lean Thinking and lean construction. The ideas which have motivated the evolution of lean construction concepts are presented. The use of simulation as a means of evaluating the benefit of using lean construction techniques is discussed. Two examples of lean thinking based re-design of common construction process...

But still, few enterprises succeed in maintaining a sustainable continuous improvement process (CIP). In many LPS, solely methods and tools are in focus of the implementation. But they merely represent the superficial elements of LPS. The actual key success factor is the involvement of employees in daily improvement. This can be achieved through a different way of leadership, the lean leadershi...

When exploring the Lean issue, literature appears to have countless definitions to describe that individual topic, causing misinterpretations between academics and professionals alike. The mainstream Lean implementation ventures are merely a compilation of tools and methods that are forced down the organisational hierarchy from higher tiers, due to other organisations publicising lean in improv...

This paper introduces a new physical simulation game framework, which can be used in a classroom environment (for both students and professionals) to help demonstrate the applicability as well as the potential advantages of lean production. The game provides a hands-on experience, focusing on experimental learning, and thus enabling students/trainees to get a deeper understanding of the lean pr...

Lean Management and Six Sigma are nowadays applied not only to the manufacturing industry but also to service industry and public administration. The manifold variables affecting the Health Care system minimize the effect of a narrow Lean intervention. Therefore, this paper aims to discuss a comprehensive, system-based approach to achieve a factual holistic optimization of patient flows. This p...

Executive Overview Toyota’s Production System (TPS) is based on “lean” principles including a focus on the customer, continual improvement and quality through waste reduction, and tightly integrated upstream and downstream processes as part of a lean value chain. Most manufacturing companies have adopted some type of “lean initiative,” and the lean movement recently has gone beyond the shop flo...

To gain the full benefit from this new business strategy, it must be fully embraced by top management. It is also important to understand that this concept may be more accurately described as lean thinking instead of lean production. Using the “lean thinking” terminology ensures that the concept is viewed as a total business model, including product development, design and sales. Lean thinking ...

The lean manufacturing system has helped many companies to improve operational performance, mainly in the automotive and electronic supply chains. Although lean manufacturing revealed to be effective for repetitive systems, some small and medium suppliers, faced with high mix and low volume production, have had difficulty to implement the lean manufacturing. The main objective of this paper is ...

In the traditional sense, IT has often been viewed as a contributor to waste within lean production. However, as the business world changes and competition from low-cost countries increases, new models must be developed which deliver competitive advantage by combining contemporary technological advances with the lean paradigm. In order to make a contribution within this field of research, we ev...