دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی نقش رهبری در پیاده سازی تولید ناب - نشریه الزویر

Abstract

It is widely accepted that for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing, the senior management commitment is of great importance. However, the lean journey is usually a long one, and eventually management commitment creeps. Furthermore, the involvement of employees in daily improvements is also critical for the success of implementation. Lean leadership can be considered as a way of sustaining and improving the employee performance in lean production systems. In the present study, a thorough literature review is presented focusing in reviewing the principles of lean leadership and the practices that can lead in improving the employee performance. Furthermore, the characteristics and qualities of lean leader are discussed.

7. Conclusions

In the present paper, the importance of top management and leadership in the introduction and implementation of lean manufacturing has been discussed. Based on a survey undertaken within the UK manufacturing sector, top management has been highlighted as the key success factor, particularly for SMEs.

Although there is a wide assumption that through the use of lean tools and methods, lean manufacturing can be implemented; the reality is that these are not assuring success unless top management and leadership are tailored to the needs of lean manufacturing. This is supporting previous findings from other researchers. For further validating this findings, the next step will be the in depth analysis lean practices and lean leadership impact in specific companies. By doing so, possible bias and sources of errors will be assessed and addressed accordingly.

A number of expectations from the management were discussed such as the top management commitment, the selection of the appropriate leadership style, the engagement and development of capable lean employees.