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Investigating the effects of lean thinking on production processes within SMEEs
Author(s)
Mokhalimetso, Lucky
Date Issued
2011
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
Lean thinking and its principles, as described by Womack and Jones (1996) has been
successfully applied to the manufacturing and operational environment, as evidenced by
associated case studies. Fostered by a rapid spread into many other sectors beyond the automotive industry, there has
been a significant development and localisation of the lean concept in general.
This research study sets out to investigate the effects of lean thinking on production processes
in a Small and Medium Engineering Enterprise (SMEE). It is hoped that the methodology
adopted and the results of the study in the form of a concise lean principle model will assist
SMEEs in the strategic planning of their manufacturing processes and improve their
sustainability.
The case described here, where lean principles were adopted at a transformer manufacturing
company (referred to as ABZ), was considered a success by most of those involved at the
company. The production cycle time improved from 33 days to 4.5 days within a few weeks of
the implementation. In addition; product quality, worker morale, and housekeeping also
improved drastically.
successfully applied to the manufacturing and operational environment, as evidenced by
associated case studies. Fostered by a rapid spread into many other sectors beyond the automotive industry, there has
been a significant development and localisation of the lean concept in general.
This research study sets out to investigate the effects of lean thinking on production processes
in a Small and Medium Engineering Enterprise (SMEE). It is hoped that the methodology
adopted and the results of the study in the form of a concise lean principle model will assist
SMEEs in the strategic planning of their manufacturing processes and improve their
sustainability.
The case described here, where lean principles were adopted at a transformer manufacturing
company (referred to as ABZ), was considered a success by most of those involved at the
company. The production cycle time improved from 33 days to 4.5 days within a few weeks of
the implementation. In addition; product quality, worker morale, and housekeeping also
improved drastically.
Additional information
Dissertation (MTech( Mechanical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011
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