Main Themes Summary
The first theme that is evident from the novel is the identification of the main business challenge before embarking on implementing lean business methods. In any organization that faces some problems in the business processes or operations, the issues usually point out to a more serious problem. For instance, in the novel, the problem that Phil talks about is his company’s inability to access loans and stay liquid, but the core business challenge is more deep-seated (Ballé & Ballé, 2005, p. 11). The main business challenge in the case is the broken shop floor that has reduced productivity and cash flow. The second theme from the book is the analysis of the value stream as part of the root cause analysis. …show more content…
It is a principle that enhances the implementation of the lean efforts by translating the discussions into practical initiatives. The principle includes the process of continual quality examination, robust process improvements, and the running of lean experiments. This process is also based on analysis of each lean process and its effects on other processes. It supports the theme of wholesomeness of the system. The aim of the overall system is to help the organization improve the level of customer satisfaction. All these processes allow the business to evaluate whether it needs an external party to guide them through the system …show more content…
The telecommunication company hired an expert to investigate the process, and the results revealed that the problems started from sourcing of raw materials, with requisitions arriving late to the procurement office. Such an issue made it difficult for the workers to obtain the required materials and equipment in good times. There were also challenges in handling the logistical operations as the workers took a lot of time to arrive at their workstations. All these issues resulted in lateness in the submission of survey reports and designs, and in the installation of the