Is lean a theory? Viewpoints and outlook

IF 7.1 2区管理学 Q1 MANAGEMENT International Journal of Operations & Production Management Pub Date : 2021-11-26 DOI:10.1108/ijopm-06-2021-0408

Pär Åhlström, P. Danese, P. Hines, Torbjørn H. Netland, D. Powell, Rachna Shah, M. Thürer, Desirée H. van Dun

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引用次数: 18

Abstract

PurposeLean remains popular in a wide range of private and public sectors and continues to attract a significant amount of research. However, most of this research is not grounded in theory. This paper presents and discusses different expert viewpoints on the role of theory in lean research and practice and provides guidelines for future research.Design/methodology/approachSeven experienced lean authors independently provide their views to the question “is Lean a theory?” before Rachna Shah summarizes the viewpoints and provides a holistic outlook for lean research.FindingsAuthors agree, disagree and sometimes agree to disagree. However, a close look reveals agreement on several key points. The paper concludes that Lean is not a theory but has plenty of theoretical underpinnings. Many lean-related theories provide promising opportunities for future research.Originality/valueAs researchers, we are asked to justify our research drawing on “theory,” but what does that mean for a practice-driven phenomenon such as lean? This paper provides answers and directions for future research.

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精益是一种理论吗？观点和展望

目的ean在广泛的私营和公共部门中仍然很受欢迎，并继续吸引大量的研究。然而，这些研究大多没有理论依据。本文就理论在精益研究和实践中的作用提出并讨论了不同专家的观点，为今后的研究提供了指导。设计/方法论/方法7位经验丰富的精益作者就“精益是一种理论吗?”之前，Rachna Shah总结了这些观点，并为精益研究提供了一个整体的前景。研究结果作者同意，不同意，有时同意不同意。然而，仔细观察就会发现，双方在几个关键点上达成了一致。本文的结论是，精益不是一个理论，但有充足的理论基础。许多与精益相关的理论为未来的研究提供了很好的机会。原创性/价值作为研究人员，我们被要求用“理论”来证明我们的研究是正确的，但这对于精益等实践驱动的现象意味着什么?本文为今后的研究提供了答案和方向。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Operations & Production Management MANAGEMENT-

CiteScore

13.30

自引率

17.20%

发文量

期刊介绍： The mission of the International Journal of Operations & Production Management (IJOPM) is to publish cutting-edge, innovative research with the potential to significantly advance the field of Operations and Supply Chain Management, both in theory and practice. Drawing on experiences from manufacturing and service sectors, in both private and public contexts, the journal has earned widespread respect in this complex and increasingly vital area of business management. Methodologically, IJOPM encompasses a broad spectrum of empirically-based inquiry using suitable research frameworks, as long as they offer generic insights of substantial value to operations and supply chain management. While the journal does not categorically exclude specific empirical methodologies, it does not accept purely mathematical modeling pieces. Regardless of the chosen mode of inquiry or methods employed, the key criteria are appropriateness of methodology, clarity in the study's execution, and rigor in the application of methods. It's important to note that any contribution should explicitly contribute to theory. The journal actively encourages the use of mixed methods where appropriate and valuable for generating research insights.