Lean as a project management tool
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=History= | =History= | ||
| + | The following section is going to explain the history behind Lean as a project management tool. | ||
| + | In the 1930’ies, a man called Taiichi Ohno invented a series of management tools. One of these tools was Toyota Production System (TPS).<ref> TPS is a management philosophy, which consisted of several tools, which have been added and developed continuing to the toolbox. In short, TPS is focusing on optimizing the flow throughout the whole production process and meet the costumers needs. However, it was only in the 1990’ies that this philosophy were given the name Lean. John Kraficit, James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos were the first ones who used the term, when they described the Japanese production theories in the book “The Machine, That Changed The World” . An example of one of these theories, presented in the book, was Just In Time (JIT), which almost every production- and service companies are using nowadays. Other famous Lean tools are SMED, 5S, GEMBA, Kaizen and Kanban. | ||
| + | So far, Toyota holds the title of being the world leading company when it comes to Lean, with the TPS. There has been a massive request on the Lean project management tools, since the 1990’ies and this is why countless of books and video guides have been made about the Lean philosophy and the Lean tools. | ||
| + | Nowadays, the Lean tools aren’t just used by production companies. Managers and leaders in the service sector, the pharmaceutical industry, the construction industry and many more, are also using the Lean tools, even for administrational purposes. | ||
Revision as of 15:28, 20 September 2015
Almost, every production- and service companies are being face with projects in their daily routine. This could be a new product being introduced or maybe a team leader has to optimize a production line in order to meet the new forecasts. Many different types of tools, methods and systems can be use, In order to manage such projects. Some of the best project management tools can be found in the Lean toolbox. The Lean concept contains several tools that can be applied in different ways and –situations. It would often be a good idea for a company to use Lean as project management tool, in order to maintain their competitiveness.
Many experts have been writing about Lean but only a few of these experts have emphasized what Lean as a project management tool actually is, how it’s applied and why many companies see more improvement when using Lean instead of other project management tools. This article will therefor focus on these three important questions. The article will also be about the fundamental principles in the philosophy of Lean, and which Lean tools would be sound to use in a given situation. However, Lean do also have some disadvantages as a project management tool. Lean can even be ineffective and destructive compared to other project management tools, in some cases. The theory will be supported by several sources throughout the article. Finally, the discussion will take a look at pros and cons when using Lean as a project management tool.
History
The following section is going to explain the history behind Lean as a project management tool. In the 1930’ies, a man called Taiichi Ohno invented a series of management tools. One of these tools was Toyota Production System (TPS).[1]
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