Effects of applying lean in the office during employees' award nomination process

• Main Author: Opondo, Nixon Oduor
• Language: EN
• Published: The National Graduate School of Quality Management 2016
• Subjects: Management|Industrial engineering|Business education
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10297509

<p>This mixed-method research study evaluated the effectiveness of value stream mapping (VSM) and 5S lean tools based on Ohno&rsquo;s waste model and Womack&rsquo;s lean thinking concept to identify and eliminate office waste during the employee award nomination process in a large U.S. manufacturing company. The participants involved 19 award administrators and 108 previous award nominees from 2007 to 2012. The researcher carried out two surveys using structured and non-structured questions. Data was collected and analyzed. A Balanced Integrated Office Lean Model (BIOLM) framework was developed and pilot tested to engage employees with practical application of lean tools outside of the manufacturing shop floor. This research addressed the existing gap in the body of knowledge dealing with office lean practice. The findings from this study are generalizable and applicable to businesses interested in improving productivity in the office environment. </p><p> <i>Keywords</i>: lean thinking, office lean, employee engagement, award nomination, continuous improvement, 5S, value stream mapping, and waste management </p>