A road map for implementing lean and agile techniques in SMEs product development teams

Abstract

Abstract:The aim of this research paper is to formulate a road map for implementation of lean techniques within SMEs product development (PD) teams, identifying barriers to change and explaining possible drivers for successful implementation. The research methodology necessary to develop the road map -the IPID cycle -is a combination of different approaches. It combines a literature review, an initial quantitative study with questionnaires, informal interviews and direct observation of companies' practices of five different manufacturing companies organised in a consortium. Like any other case study methodology, it suffers from generalisation issues, but we expect that the proposed road map is applicable whenever managers need to introduce changes inside their PD teams. Also, we found that a consortium arrangement can be highly positive to the implementation of the proposed road map. Finally, we found that the application of the road map to SMEs PD teams is somewhat different from big companies' implementations and discuss the observed particularities of these findings.Keywords: operations strategy; new product development; methodology; lean and agile manufacturing; organisational change. A road map for implementing lean and agile techniques 21Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Leite, M., Baptista, A.J. and Ribeiro, A.M.R. (2016) There he gain experience in the project of tools for the production of automotive sheet metal parts and in international simultaneous engineering projects with automotive manufactures (FIAT and FORD). He had been also responsible for continuous improvement programs (kaizen activities, root cause analysis, cost reduction analysis, productivity improvement). Recently he has joined INEGI, where he is assuming responsibilities as project manager, senior researcher. The main research topics of his activity involve the study of product development and management tools, modular and adaptive design and lean methodologies associated both to the product development cycle and to ecoefficiency issues in production systems.A.M.R. Ribeiro is a tenured Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico -University of Lisbon (Portugal) since 1999. He was an TA and RA at the same department and taught there since 1987. Before joining the University he worked 6 years for several companies. He has published over 20 papers in various international journals with referees and over 40 conference proceeding papers. Currently, he is working in the areas of modal analysis, engineering systems and mechanical design.

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