Lean Production for Competitive Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Lean Methodologies and Management Practices

Lean Production for Competitive Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Lean Methodologies and Management Practices, Second Edition introduces Lean philosophy and illustrates the effective application of Lean tools with real-world case studies. From fundamental concepts to integrated planning and control in pull production and the supply chain, the text provides a complete introduction to Lean production. Coverage includes small batch production, setup reduction, pull production, preventive maintenance, standard work, as well as synchronizing and scheduling Lean operations. Detailing the key principles and practices of Lean production, the text also:

• Illustrates effective implementation techniques with case studies from a range of industries.
• Includes questions and completed problems in each chapter.
• Explains how to effectively partner with suppliers and employees to achieve productivity goals

Designed for students who have a basic foundation in production and operations management, the text provides a thorough understanding of the principles of Lean. It also offers practical know-how for implementing a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor and in the office, creating a heightened sense of responsibility in all stakeholders, and enhancing productivity and efficiency to improve the bottom line.

In this second edition, the author addresses management’s role in Lean production. Early observers of Japanese methods focused on the shop floor to see amazing things unlike anything practiced elsewhere. And the thinking was, if the "methods" could be adopted by companies elsewhere, those companies would experience the success of the Japanese. What the early observers hadn’t considered were dramatic differences in the way those companies were managed, both daily and strategically. The "management side" of Lean production is addressed in two new chapters, one devoted to daily management, the other to strategy deployment. Additionally, there is a new chapter that addresses breakthrough improvement and an approach to achieving it called Production Preparation Process.

Every chapter has been revised and expanded to better tell the story of Lean production―its

history, applications, practices, and methods.

John Nicholas is professor of operations management at Loyola University Chicago where he teaches in the areas of production and operations management, healthcare management, project management, and global operations management. He first introduced a course on lean production at Loyola in 1990. As a management consultant he has conducted productivity improvement projects and training programs in process improvement, quality circles, project management, and teamwork.

He is the author of numerous academic and technical trade publications and four books, including The Portal to Lean Production: Principles and Practices for Doing More with Less and Project Management for Business, Engineering and Technology: Principles and Practices.

Prior to Loyola John held the positions of test engineer and team lead for Lockheed/Martin Corporation, senior business analyst at Bank of America, and research associate at Argonne National Laboratory. He has a BS in aerospace engineering and an MBA in operations research and management, both from the University of Illinois, and a PhD in industrial engineering and applied science from Northwestern University.