A systems theory for lean describing natural connections in an XPS

Abstract

Purpose

Many organizations report difficulties in integrating lean. A possible cause could be that methods and tools do not support each other. The purpose of this research is, therefore, to explore the nature of the connections within the system. Understanding these provides practitioners with a better way of defining their system and offers researchers a conceptual model with a new way of understanding a company-specific production system (XPS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is designed as a multiple case study with three organizations and, in total, 25 lean experts serving as respondents.

Findings

The connections between the elements of an XPS act as a duality based on a problem–solution (P–S) relation. These are categorized according to complexity and can be mapped into a conceptual model, where the connections can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide a method to analyze causes and effects in an XPS and a conceptual model. Given the limitations of a multiple case study, future research should explore connections depending on a broader variety of contextual conditions.

Practical implications

The results present a way to avoid a cherry-picking problem through understanding connections between elements in an XPS. This provides a new way to understand the weaknesses of an XPS.

Originality/value

The research provides a new approach with insights on how to conduct research in lean production by facilitating how to understand and interpret connections between elements in a system.

Citation

Osterman, C. and Fundin, A. (2020), "A systems theory for lean describing natural connections in an XPS", The TQM Journal, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 1373-1393. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-12-2019-0284