The advent of new technologies (the Internet, computerization, etc.) and the impact of globalization (products not only available from every country but being developed in multiple countries) has increased not just the demand for goods and services but also has increased customer requirements and expectations. As such, organizations must be constantly changing to be as economically competitive as possible. This means doing more with less as the organization becomes as "lean" as possible (no fat).
The operations manager must be aware of how and why lean systems are necessary.
To answer the Discussion topics, you will need to do additional research using the Kaplan's virtual library and/or the Internet.
In order for an organization to do more with less they must examine all facets of the production or service process. To that end, address the questions below:
- How does just-in-time (JIT) inventory control help organizations become leaner?
- Where does the information on waste (waste in raw materials, waste in process and flow, etc.) come from?
- Should line employees be involved in making recommendations to improve lean production and processes or should this decision making be left only to management?