scholarly journals Introducing a strategic perspective in lean thinking applications through system dynamics modelling: the dynamic Value Stream Map

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Noto ◽  
Federico Cosenz
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
Strategic Perspective ◽  
Value Stream Map

PurposeLean Thinking is an operation management discipline which aims to identify, map and analyse the activities forming a process to detect “value waste” and outline the most effective flow of activities to execute in sequence. Process mapping is often developed in lean projects through the use of the Value Stream Map (VSM). Like many other management tools, the VSM adopts a static and non-systemic perspective in the representation of an organizational process. This may result in the implementation of Lean projects inconsistent with the overall organizational long-term strategy, thus leading to dysfunctional performance. In order to overcome this limit, the paper suggests combining VSM with System Dynamics (SD) modelling.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a review of the literature on VSM. This review is matched with an analysis of SD modelling principles aimed at explaining the practical and theoretical contribution of this approach to operation and strategic management practices. An illustrative case study is then provided to explore the practical implications of the proposed approach.FindingsOur results show that SD modelling provides robust methodological support to VSM and Lean Thinking due to its inner characteristics, namely: simulation, systemic view, explicit link between system structure and behaviour and effective visual representation.Originality/valueThis research proposes a novel approach to design VSMs aimed at fostering a strategic perspective in Lean Thinking applications. Such an approach connects two fields of research and practice – i.e. VSM and SD modelling – which have traditionally been kept separated or, at least, partially combined for specific organizational sub-systems, thereby neglecting a broader strategic view of the entire process system.

Lean, mean, fighting machine

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-34
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Value Stream Map ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Help Model

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The principle of Lean Thinking can boost the competitive advantage of an organization through removing waste that doesn’t benefit the customer. The Dynamic Value Stream Map can help model this process in order to implement Lean Thinking more efficiently and effectively. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Improving performance of the hospitalization process by applying the principles of Lean Thinking

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 253-271
Author(s):  
Antonella Fiorillo ◽  
Alfonso Sorrentino ◽  
Arianna Scala ◽  
Vincenzo Abbate ◽  
Giovanni Dell'aversana Orabona
Keyword(s):  
Patient Management ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
Ishikawa Diagram ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
Value Stream Map

PurposeThe goal was to improve the quality of the hospitalization process and the management of patients, allowing the reduction of costs and the minimization of the preoperative Length of Hospital Stay (LOS).Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used to improve the quality of the hospitalization process and patient management was Lean Thinking. Therefore, the Lean tools (Value stream map and Ishikawa diagram) were used to identify waste and inefficiencies, improving the process with the implementation of corrective actions. The data was collected through personal observations, patient interviews, brainstorming and from printed medical records of 151 patients undergoing oral cancer surgery in the period from 2006 to 2018.FindingsThe authors identified, through Value Stream Map, waste and inefficiencies during preoperative activities, consequently influencing preoperative LOS, considered the best performance indicator. The main causes were identified through the Ishikawa diagram, allowing reflection on possible solutions. The main corrective action was the introduction of the pre-hospitalization service. A comparative statistical analysis showed the significance of the solutions implemented. The average preoperative LOS decreased from 4.90 to 3.80 days (−22.40%) with a p-value of 0.001.Originality/valueThe methodology allowed to highlight the improvement of the patient hospitalization process with the introduction of the pre-hospitalization service. Therefore, by adopting the culture of continuous improvement, the flow of hospitalization was redrawn. The benefits of the solutions implemented are addressed to the patient in terms of lower LOS and greater service satisfaction and to the hospital for lower patient management costs and improved process quality. This article will be useful for those who need examples on how to apply Lean tools in healthcare.

Country of origin branding: an integrative perspective

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roderick J. Brodie ◽  
Maureen Benson-Rea
Keyword(s):  
Country Of Origin ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Business Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brand Meaning ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Illustrative Case Study ◽  
Strategic Perspective

Purpose A new conceptualization of the process of country of origin (COO) branding based on fresh theoretical foundations is developed. This paper aims to provide a strategic perspective that integrates extant views of COO branding, based on identity and image, with a relational perspective based on a process approach to developing collective brand meaning. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the literature on COO branding and geographical indicators is undertaken, together with a review of contemporary research on branding. Our framework conceptualizes COO branding as an integrating process that aligns a network of relationships to co-create collective meaning for the brand’s value propositions. Findings An illustrative case study provides empirical evidence to support the new theoretical framework. Research limitations/implications Issues for further research include exploring and refining the theoretical framework in other research contexts and investigating broader issues about how COO branding influences self and collective interests in business relationships and industry networks. Practical implications Adopting a broadened perspective of COO branding enables managers to understand how identity and image are integrated with their business relationships in the context of developing collective brand meaning. Providing a sustained strategic advantage for all network actors, an integrated COO branding process extends beyond developing a distinctive identity and image. Originality/value Accepted consumer, product, firm and place level perspectives of COO branding are challenged by developing and verifying a new integrated conceptualization of branding.

Engaging professionals with serious games: the Lean Healthcare Lab at Siena University Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Barnabè ◽  
Maria Cleofe Giorgino ◽  
Jacopo Guercini ◽  
Caterina Bianciardi ◽  
Vincenzo Mezzatesta
Keyword(s):  
Serious Games ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Lean Healthcare ◽  
Firsthand Experience

Purpose This paper aims to stimulate interest in the potentials of serious games within organizations. Through the examination of a case study, emphasis is given to serious games designed for health care (HC) organizations that are adopting lean thinking principles and tools. Design/methodology/approach The paper discusses how serious games can be designed and implemented in practice by describing a case study based on a HC organization. The program, now in its second year, has been used extensively to train HC professionals. Findings The article is based on the authors’ firsthand experience with serious games and the outcome of several projects carried out in the HC setting under analysis. Serious games were found to be powerful training and management development tools as well as engaging environments for professionals. Specifically, The Lean Healthcare Lab supported professionals in their use and implementation of several Lean principles and techniques. Research limitations/implications The article suggests the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of serious games also to improve team performance and develop leadership skills. Practical implications Serious games have an enormous potential in sustaining processes of both individual and organizational learning, as well as facilitating improved teamwork. Moreover, serious games are very effective educational tools when compared to more conventional programs. Originality/value The approach described in this study can be used to design and implement serious games in any type of organization, in particular, those employing highly skilled professionals. Additionally, this article highlights how serious games can provide learners with a simulated close-to-reality environment where they are challenged to develop policies and use a variety of Lean and management tools.

Factors influencing Midwestern grain farmers’ use of risk management tools

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-203
Author(s):  
Brian K. Coffey ◽  
Ted C. Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multinomial Logit Regression ◽  
Decision Choices ◽  
Grain Farmers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the relationships between grain farm and farmer profiles and their respective choices to use forward pricing techniques and revenue protection crop insurance to manage risk.Design/methodology/approachAn e-mail survey of Midwestern grain farmers elicited farmer demographic information, farm profile, risk attitudes and farmer use of forward pricing and revenue protection insurance. Responses regarding use of risk management tools were compiled as choices to use possible bundles of tools to account for simultaneous nature of the decision. Choices to use bundles of tools were used as the independent variable categories in a multinomial logit regression. Regressors were relevant data collected from the survey.FindingsFarm size, using a market advisory service, and being a technology adopter are the most important factors in predicting risk management tool use by grain farmers. Farmers tend to use forward pricing and revenue protection insurance in combination. Large farms are more likely to use forward pricing tools.Practical implicationsResults provide researchers, extension professionals and risk management specialists with a current understanding of how farm and farmer characteristics relate to use of risk management tools. The authors also elaborate on findings to provide guidance for future risk management research.Originality/valueThe survey covered 9 Midwestern states and 648 grain farmers. The survey results update understanding of grain farmers’ risk management practices. The empirical approach treats risk management decisions to use available tools as simultaneous, which recent literature suggests is more appropriate than earlier approaches.

Knowledge management measures: an empirical investigation of Indian cement industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 734-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manish Dave ◽  
Kanhaiya Singh ◽  
Arya Kumar ◽  
Sachin Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Cement Industry ◽  
Sales Managers ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
E Mail

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop knowledge management constructs comprising of KM processes and KM practices through marketing and sales to derive competitive advantage (CA) in the cement industry. Design/methodology/approach A thorough and detailed analysis of the literature was carried out to develop the measures for KM practices, KM processes and their impact on CA. A total of 65 variables affecting competitiveness in the form of questionnaire were developed. The questionnaire was administered through e-mail to 962 territory sales managers (TSM) and equivalent employed in the marketing and sales function of the cement organizations in India. A total of 121 valid and complete responses were received, representing a response rate of 12.6 percent. The factor analysis was carried out on the data collected to establish reliability and validity of the measures. Findings A total of seven constructs pertaining to knowledge management practices and processes and competitiveness that comprises of 65 variables have been developed. The statistical results establish that the constructs and the variables considered in the study are reliable and valid. Research limitations/implications The sample of respondents for developing constructs consisted of TSM and equivalent employed in the marketing and sales function of cement companies in India. Research scope can be enhanced in the future study by including middle and senior level managers in cement companies to better diagnose and understand perception of KM initiatives across different levels in the cement industry. The work can also be extended to incorporate inbound logistics and procurement that directly contributes to the overall value chain to have a holistic perspective. Practical implications The measures developed in this study would be effective management tools for the implementation of knowledge management initiatives in the marketing and sales function to ascertain their level of implementation and impact on the competitiveness. Originality/value This study is probably the first of its kind in India to provide KM measures combined for practices and processes to understand the relationship with competitiveness in cement companies pertaining to marketing and sales function. It provides valuable insights as a strategic tool for investing in KM initiatives.

scholarly journals Lean Thinking to Foster the Transition from Traditional Logistics to the Physical Internet

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6053
Author(s):  
Vanessa Rodríguez Cornejo ◽  
Ángel Cervera Paz ◽  
Luis López Molina ◽  
Víctor Pérez-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Lean Thinking ◽  
Value Stream ◽  
A Value ◽  
Physical Internet ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Value Stream Map

This paper studies the relationship between Lean paradigms and the Physical Internet (PI). Lean thinking is a philosophy that allows one to obtain the right amount of the right items in the right place at the right time; it seeks to minimize waste and is flexible to change. In fact, applying Lean not only helps to reduce costs, but it also adds value and improves results across the supply chain. By using a value stream map, we can map the process from the supply chain to the customer, while trying not to add value activities. Such activities include excessive production, overstorage, waiting times poorly adjusted to needs, defects and rejects that require reprocessing, and, finally, unnecessary transport and movements. Storage, waiting times, and unnecessary transport and movements are at the core of the PI. A value stream map can also help to identify empty transport and unnecessary CO2 emissions. This study analyzes value stream mapping as a tool that can enable the objectives of the different Alliance for Logistics Innovation through Collaboration (ALICE) roadmaps for logistics innovation to be achieved, and can also allow PI principles to be reached on the established dates.

Portuguese primary healthcare – sustainability through quality management

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sónia Duarte Silva ◽  
Ana Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Trust

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply quality management tools and practices in the design of an integrated accreditation model for Local Health Trusts, in order to contribute to the sustainability of the Portuguese Primary HealthCare Service. Following the guidelines of the Portuguese Health Quality Strategy, the proposed model is an adaptation of the model from Agencia para la Calidad Sanitaria de Andaluzia. Design/methodology/approach The development of the integrated accreditation model was based on a literature review, complemented with observation and analysis of the usual working methods in a Local Health Trust (Western Oporto Health Trust). Findings Local Health Trusts include not only clinical management units but also non-clinical administrative units. Therefore, the National Model for Accreditation of HealthCare Institutions is not easily or directly applicable to them. To overcome this problem, the model proposed in this study incorporates ISO 9001 principles, widely accepted regarding organizational management. The success of the application of this model is highly dependent on the ability of public Primary HealthCare organizations to deal with potential problems such as resistance to change, lack of leadership and inadequate people management and involvement. Originality/value The integrated accreditation model proposed in this research is expected to promote the cohesion of Local Health Trust units, encouraging integrated quality management practices and continuous improvement strategies, leading Local Health Trusts, Primary Care and HealthCare in a global perspective toward sustainability.

scholarly journals Uncovering wicked problem’s system structure: seeing the forest for the trees

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Marie Kennedy ◽  
Sommer Kapitan ◽  
Neha Bajaj ◽  
Angelina Bakonyi ◽  
Sean Sands
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Wicked Problems ◽  
System Structure ◽  
Wicked Problem ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Social Mechanisms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Develop Strategy

Purpose This paper aims to use systems thinking, systems theory and Camillus’ framework for responding to wicked problems to provide social marketers with a theoretically based framework for approaching strategy formation for wicked problems. The paper treats fast fashion as an illustrative case and takes a step back from implementation to provide a framework for analysing and gaining understanding of wicked problem system structure for social marketers to then plan more effective interventions. The proposed approach is intended as a theory-based tool for social marketing practitioners to uncover system structure and analyse the wicked problems they face. Design/methodology/approach Following Layton, this work provides theoretically based guidelines for analysing the black box of how to develop and refine strategy as first proposed in Camillus’ (2008) framework for responding to wicked issues. Findings The prescription thus developed for approaching wicked problems’ system structure revolves around identifying the individuals, groups or entities that make up the system involved in the wicked problem, and then determining which social mechanisms most clearly drive each entity and which outcomes motivate these social mechanisms, before determining which role the entities play as either incumbent, challenger or governance and which social narratives drive each role’s participation in the wicked problem. Originality/value This paper shows that using systems thinking can help social marketers to gain big picture thinking and develop strategy for responding to complex issues, while considering the consequences of interventions.

scholarly journals An empirical study of long-term personal project information management

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klen Copic Pucihar ◽  
Matjaž Kljun ◽  
John Mariani ◽  
Alan John Dix
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Information Space ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Personal Project

Purpose – Personal projects are any kind of projects whose management is left to an individual untrained in project management and is greatly influenced by this individual’s personal touch. This includes the majority of knowledge workers who daily manage information relating to several personal projects. The authors have conducted an in-depth qualitative investigation on information management of such projects and the tacit knowledge behind its processes that cannot be found in the organisational structures of current personal information management (PIM) tools (file managers, e-mail clients, web browsers). The purpose of this paper is to reveal and understand project information management practices in details and provide guidelines for personal project management tools. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews similar to that in several other PIM exploratory studies were carried out focusing on project fragmentation, information overlap and project context recreation. In addition, the authors enhanced interviews with sketching approach not yet used to study PIM. Sketches were used for articulating things that were not easily expressed through words, they represented a time stamp of a project context in the projects’ lifetime, uncovered additional tacit knowledge behind project information management not mentioned during the interviews, and were also used to find what they have in common which might be used in prototype designing. Findings – The paper presents first personal project definition based on the conceptualisations derived from the study. The study revealed that the extensive information fragmentation in the file hierarchy (due to different organisational needs and ease of information access) poses a significant challenge to context recreation besides cross-tool fragmentation so far described in the literature. The study also reveals the division of project information into core and support and emphasises the importance of support information in relation to project goals. Other findings uncover the division of input/output information, project overlaps through information reuse, storytelling and visualising information relations, which could help with user modelling and enhancing project context recreation. Research limitations/implications – On of the limitations is the group of participants that cannot represent the ideally generalised knowledge worker as there are many different kinds of knowledge workers and they all have different information needs besides different management practices. However, participants of variety of different backgrounds were observed and the authors converged observations into points of project information management similarities across the spectrum of different professions. Nevertheless, its observations and conceptualisations should be repeatable. For one, some of the issues that emerged during this work have been to different extents discussed in other studies. Practical implications – The empirical findings are used to create guidelines for designing personal project information management tools: support the selective focus on information with the division into core and supportive information; visualise changes in project information space to support narratives for context recreation; overcome fragmentation in the file system with selective unification; visualising project’s information relationship to better understand the complexity of project information space; and support navigating in project information space on two axes: time and between projects (overlaps through information). Originality/value – The study presents a longitudinal insight into personal project information management. As such it provides a first formal definition of personal project from the information point of view. The method used in the study presented uses a new approach – sketching in which participants externalised and visualised personal information and projects they discussed. The insights derived from the study form design implications for personal project management tools for knowledge workers.

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