Lean Evolution: Lessons from the Workplace

Lean thinking is a powerful method that allows organizations to improve the productivity, efficiency and quality of their products or services. Achieving these benefits requires good teamwork, clear communication, intelligent use of resources and a commitment to continuous improvement. This 2006 book shows how lean thinking can be applied in practice, highlighting the key challenges and pitfalls. The authors, based at a leading centre for lean enterprise research, begin with an overview of the theory of lean thinking. They then explain the core tools and techniques and show how they can be applied successfully. The detailed implementation of lean thinking is illustrated by several case studies, from a range of industries, in which the authors had unprecedented access to the management teams. With its focus on implementation and practical solutions, this book will appeal to managers at all levels, as well as to business students and researchers in lean thinking.

Nick Rich is RCUK Innovative Manufacturing Fellow and Director of the Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre, Cardiff University.

Nicola Bateman is a senior research fellow at the Lean Enterprise Research Centre, Cardiff University.

Ann Essain is a senior research fellow at the Lean Enterprise Research Centre, Cardiff University.

Lynn Massey is a post doctoral fellow at the School of International Business, Queensland University of Technology.

Donna Samuel is a senior research associate at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University.