The integration of lean thinking and manufacturing business improvement methods within the aerospace supply chain

Berkhauer-Smith, Samantha (2009) The integration of lean thinking and manufacturing business improvement methods within the aerospace supply chain. PhD thesis, University of Greenwich.

Abstract

This research was initiated by carrying out an extensive literature survey on the current inter-relationships between Manufacturing Business Improvement Methods (MBIMs). The review highlighted that one particular improvement concept is lean manufacture. This review carried out an investigation into the lean environment and assessed many applications of the concept. The literature survey also highlighted restrictions to lean thinking. It is been proposed how some of these limitations can be alleviated by introducing other MBIMs into an integrated methodology.

The research assesses currently practised MBIMs and reveals that these methodologies have differentiating relationships, thus producing many types of implementation strategies. The research resulted in studying the inter-relationships between these MBIMs including cultural issues surrounding process improvement initiatives, so they can be unified into an integrated methodology creating a unique strategy that can be correctly tailored to a chosen environment.

This research outlines a proposed design methodology that involves ten stages of change including the planning, creating, data collection, analysis and strategic implementation to apply. The approach flows through the change process systematically highlighting how to achieve the best outcome. Feedback into the system is also visible. The proposed design methodology incorporates significant findings from the research, as it highlights the originality of the amalgamation of both the technical and cultural transformations, which are two very different aspects, but highly important factors of change.

By considering the two factors, a more harmonious approach in implementing the MBIMs within a company is achieved, therefore resulting in a higher success rate of change. A number of case studies illustrating the implementation of the proposed design methodology is also presented.

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