A complex systems theory perspective of lean production

Saurin, TA; Rooke, JA; Koskela, LJ

Abstract

Lean production (LP) has been increasingly adopted in complex systems, such as healthcare and construction sites.
However, little is known of the extent to which the lean philosophy matches the nature of those systems, which have
different characteristics of complexity in comparison with manufacturing plants, in which LP was originated. This article analyses the extent to which LP is compatible with the nature of complex systems, as a basis for the identification of learning opportunities for LP from complex systems theory (CST). As a framework for this analysis, both the prescriptions from LP and CST for designing systems are compared in terms of their potential impact on a set of characteristics of complex systems. Examples of how LP may learn from CST are identified as well as examples of how CST may help to tackle common difficulties in LP implementation.

Citation

Saurin, T., Rooke, J., & Koskela, L. (2013). A complex systems theory perspective of lean production. International Journal of Production Research, 51(19), 5824-5838. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2013.796420

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 11, 2013
• Online Publication Date: Jun 19, 2013
• Publication Date: Jun 19, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2013
• Journal: International Journal of Production Research
• Print ISSN: 0020-7543
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 51
• Issue: 19
• Pages: 5824-5838
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2013.796420
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2013.796420
• Related Public URLs: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tprs20#.Ucxgj9hT8_c
• Additional Information: Funders : Haciric