Purpose-This paper aims to conduct case studies in companies of different branches of the agribusiness sector to analyze the degree of adherence to lean production system, considering the use of techniques and tools, and how the specificities of the agribusiness system work. Design/methodology/approach-By contributing to the refinement of the theory, multiple type case studies were conducted in eight agribusiness units from different branches by applying structured interviews, on-site visits and document analysis. The comparative analysis of the cases occurred focusing on the degree of adherence to lean production system; use of techniques and tools; and influence of the specificities of agribusiness systems. Findings-The adoption of lean production system occurs as an improvement mechanism of organizational performance. However, it is necessary to advance in the formalization of the actions, which need to encourage the creation of new leaders who spread the organizational philosophy. When comparing the degree of adherence to lean production with the use of techniques and tools, it was observed that there is no direct relationship, indicating that each organization should select only the techniques and tools that will improve their own organizational performance. At last, the specific characteristics of seasonality of consumption, quality and health surveillance and sociological aspects of the food have high influence on surveyed agribusiness systems, and its effects can be minimized by the techniques and tools associated with lean production system. Research limitations/implications-The analysis is valid for the universe investigated due to the specific characteristic of the case study. Originality/value-The literature regarding the lean production philosophy is vast; however, the agribusiness segment, one of the major sectors of the global economy, features a large gap in literature. This study is one of the first original papers to report this reality.

The launching of biofuel vehicles in 2003 led to ethanol demand increase and a new phase of expansion of sugarcane cultivation in Brazil. Although the increase in area of production and the quantity of sugarcane produced have been very important to Brazilian agribusiness, the recent agricultural productivity rate has slowed. In this context, this article analyzed the factors that influence the growth rate of sugarcane productivity in the regions of new agricultural expansions, specifically in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias. For the collection and data analysis, we used bibliographical and documentary research. The shift-share method was used to analyze the evolution of sugarcane production, through the decomposition of this variable into two factors: area effect and productivity effect. The results show that the increase in production in the region under analysis was mainly due to the incorporation of new planting areas and not to an increase in productivity. In addition, structural factors have negatively impacted crop performance. The analysis indicates that there is a slow rhythm of sugarcane fields’ renovation and the adoption of old varieties. Although the mechanization index is high in the studied regions, difficulties of technological adaptation still provide deficiency in the agricultural performance of sugarcane.

Este artigo propõe uma análise e aprofundamento do atual estado da arte no que diz respeito aos tempos de preparação de máquinas, uma vez que este é um importante aspecto de ganho de competitividade e melhoria de desempenho organizacional. Por meio da condução de um levantamento bibliográfico, relacionaram-se os principais aspectos relevantes ao tema, destacando-se variações de metodologias e métodos de implementação surgidos nas últimas décadas. Com o intuito de verificar o grau de aplicação desses conceitos, foram conduzidos seis estudos de caso em empresas dos segmentos industriais metal-mecânico, eletrodoméstico e automotivo. A coleta de dados com as empresas foi feita por meio de visitas às plantas fabris e entrevistas técnicas. O artigo encerra, avaliando várias características do atual estágio de aplicação da Troca Rápida de Ferramentas nas empresas, tais como processo de implantação, dificuldades encontradas e resultados obtidos.

Purpose The lean production system and world class manufacturing (WCM) have been prominent in recent studies due to their conceptual synergy. However, although the number of studies is increasing, the research is immature, especially regarding the interaction between topics. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to rank the tools of the lean production system, indicating how they help organizations achieve WCM, using the theory of grey systems. Design/methodology/approach Therefore, the authors conducted an initial survey to collect data to determine how the lean production tools are related to the WCM pillars. These data were analyzed by the grey relational analysis statistical method, which passes through the construction of four stages. Findings The results show that of the lean production tools, stream mapping, kaizen, total productive maintenance, Six Sigma, standardized work and 5S stand out for their use and implementation in the organizational environment and facilitate organizations’ transitions to world-class performance through the WCM pillars. Practical implications The results achieved guide organizations to use the tools of the lean production system to help them reach world class status. Originality/value This paper stands out in the field of operations management, specifically in the research on lean production, by making use of the theory of grey correlation system in an innovative and original way. In addition, it promotes the consolidation of information on two of the main administrative strategies currently employed in the organizational environment.

The Six-Sigma program is an approach currently adopted by many companies and its usage occurs through a highly disciplined and guided process, inResumo O programa Seis Sigma é uma iniciativa adotada atualmente por muitas empresas e seu uso ocorre por meio de um processo altamente disciplinado e orientado, no qual são aplicadas diversas técnicas e ferramentas, que objetivam a geração de um ciclo de melhoria contínua. Diante desse fato e considerando a relevância do assunto, foi conduzido um levantamento tipo survey com o intuito de identificar e analisar as técnicas e ferramentas usadas nas etapas do método DMAIC e a sua comparação com a prescrição da literatura. Buscou-se levantar as técnicas e ferramentas mais e menos empregadas pelas empresas, permitindo-se confrontar estes resultados com outros levantamentos já realizados no exterior. Cabe destacar também que os resultados confirmaram o indicado pela literatura, os quais apontam que o programa Seis Sigma necessita apoiar-se em dados mensuráveis e confiáveis, evidenciando assim que o emprego das técnicas e ferramentas é indispensável junto ao método de melhoria DMAIC. PalavRas-chave