The Concept of Lean Business Practice

Author(s):

Cook, Randall L.
Randall L. Cook, Clinical Professor and Director of Education, The Shingo Prize, Utah State University, 435/797-3785; randy.cook@usu.edu

93rd Annual International Conference Proceedings - 2008 - St. Louis, MO

Abstract

Nearly every business leader today has heard of Lean management practices. Almost all of these leaders misunderstand what Lean really means. It is usually narrowly compared to six sigma practices. While hundreds of companies have dabbled with Lean business practices and failed, many companies today have successfully transformed their organizations into competitive powerhouses, using lean principles.