Elements of a lean manufacturing programme
Much has been written and published about lean manufacturing programmes. The focus of which would appear to be on the technical elements of such programmes i.e. specific tools and techniques, human resources and the cultural implications and requirements. However during the author's period of research, the findings of which indicate that very little headway would appear to have been made regarding the strategic and competitive framework within which the lean manufacturing concepts should operate. It is true to say however that a great number of works on competitive strategies and strategic development processes have been written. Given the scope and constraints of this paper (focus and length) the author provides a number of strategic theories, which offer some synergy and context to lean manufacturing systems.
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