Identify and discuss two key problems that the two research papers seek to address and justify their contributions: Lean Operation Case Study, TCD, Ireland

Learning Outcomes:-

• Evaluate the current research and application of lean in manufacturing and the service industry.
• Use appropriate analytical techniques to identify and eliminate the seven types of wastes.
• Use value stream mapping to appraise the current state and to develop a vision for the future.
• Design single-piece flow cells.
• Apply lean techniques to the visual management and control of a manufacturing system.
• Demonstrate the benefit to be gained from the consideration of ‘lean manufacturing’ throughout the new product development process and introduction.

Conclusion

• Lean Manufacturing Tools have been successfully implemented in the Automobile industry with a total average inventory reduction of Rs.411 lacs as compared to Rs.475 lacs initially.
• Line balanced by doing TAKT time study by clubbing the operations with the existing operations & line productivity is increased.
• Lean manufacturing implementation has been shown to reduce the setup time by 29%.
• The breakdown is reduced by 4% and the absenteeism is reduced by 15%.
• The cost of one-man power has been saved by Rs. 96000 annually.

Questions

• Identify and discuss two key problems that the two research papers seek to address and justify their contributions to current research in lean manufacturing.
• Discuss five key findings of the two papers and demonstrate whether these findings are new to current literature, confirms or rejects existing literature?
• Explain two strengths and two weaknesses of the methodology used by the two research papers and suggest one way to deal with the weaknesses in future research.
• Appraise five out of the seven stages involved in developing a new product or service for an organization that intends to deploy lean manufacturing as a strategy for competitive advantage.
• Based on the findings and conclusions of the two research papers, discuss five importance of lean manufacturing throughout a new product development cycle.