Implementation of Lean Management in New Product Launches

Ing. Udo Wozar, MBA

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

The main objective of the dissertation is to elaborate a comprehensive proposal of implementation of Lean Managementprinciples in automotive production, including an analysis of individual principles and their practical implementation over thecomplete operation process. An overview of selected, in practice used methods from the Lean Toolbox is provided. Therefore, subsequent effects (i.e. success factors) of lean methods are considered with respect to the main target dimensions like time, productivity, costs, volume and quality. To show the importance of lean far across the borders of the automotive industry, insights into an industry-specific statusquo of lean integration is given. Thereby, in total, it is examined how lean methods can be meaningfully implemented in production systems with respect to practical and temporal manner within a new product launch. To provide a lasting opportunity and improve the adaptability of lean within companies, a practical tool has been developed. It enables the qualitative selection of the most appropriate lean methods with regard to specific effects needed to be achieved. A comprehensive overview about Lean reduces uncertainty and paves the road to new practical opportunities for companies in a multi-layered manner. By doing so, the dissertation at hand should act as guide to launch prospect production systems more efficiently and effectively.

Abstract:

The main objective of the dissertation is to elaborate a comprehensive proposal of implementation of Lean Managementprinciples in automotive production, including an analysis of individual principles and their practical implementation over thecomplete operation process. An overview of selected, in practice used methods from the Lean Toolbox is provided. Therefore, subsequent effects (i.e. success factors) of lean methods are considered with respect to the main target dimensions like time, productivity, costs, volume and quality. To show the importance of lean far across the borders of the automotive industry, insights into an industry-specific statusquo of lean integration is given. Thereby, in total, it is examined how lean methods can be meaningfully implemented in production systems with respect to practical and temporal manner within a new product launch. To provide a lasting opportunity and improve the adaptability of lean within companies, a practical tool has been developed. It enables the qualitative selection of the most appropriate lean methods with regard to specific effects needed to be achieved. A comprehensive overview about Lean reduces uncertainty and paves the road to new practical opportunities for companies in a multi-layered manner. By doing so, the dissertation at hand should act as guide to launch prospect production systems more efficiently and effectively.

Keywords

shop-floor, lean management, production system

Keywords

lean management, production system, shop-floor

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 13. 7. 2017

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Pavel Žufan, Ph.D.
• Reader: Helena Chládková, doc. Ing., Ph.D., Ladislav Rolínek, doc. Ing., Ivana Tichá

Mendel University in Brno

Faculty of Business and Economics

Doctoral programme / field:
Economics and Management / Business Management and Economics