Characterising project management of lean initiatives in industrial companies — crossing perspectives based on case studies

Abstract

The paper mainly aims to characterise project management (PM) practices of industrial Lean initiatives by analysing and comparing three main topics: PM approaches, PM teams, and project alignment with the company’s strategy. This research encompasses two exploratory industrial case studies with an extensive literature review. Key professionals were interviewed to obtain an in-depth vision of the field. The study results allowed characterising project management practices of industrial Lean initiatives in industrial companies based on the following dimensions: 1. Understand the needs; 2. Find a suitable team; 3. Use visual tools; 4. Apply a continuous improvement (CI) approach; 5. Identify KPIs for the context; 6. Get support from the top management. This work fills a gap related to studying the PM practices applied during the implementation of Lean initiatives, proposing a schematic representation of PM variables and actors in industrial Lean initiatives. Identifying the main variables and actors that industrial companies use to develop Lean initiatives can be insightful for Lean practitioners in the context of project management.

Reporting sustainable development in Polish commercial banks

“…A case study is an empirical research in which a certain phenomenon is studied in a real-life context (Lima et al, 2023). The case study method is derived from grounded theory that aims to construct new theory concepts capable of explaining emerging phenomena.…”

“…Case studies can be divided according to their content and ultimate purpose (exploratory, explanatory, descriptive, or by a certain number of cases) (Voss et al, 2002). A common trend in all types of case studies is to try and explain why a certain decision or several decisions were taken, how these decisions were implemented, and what is the effect of implementing these decisions (Lima et al, 2023).…”

Innovations in Project Management: Trends and Best Practices

“…This research fills a gap in understanding the project management practices applied during the implementation of Lean initiatives, offering a schematic representation of project management variables and actors in industrial Lean initiatives. The study's findings are significant as they provide a structured approach to implementing Lean methodologies, emphasizing the importance of aligning project management practices with organizational strategies and goals (Lima et al, 2022). Njiru's (2018) study investigates the influence of project management practices on the implementation of projects in manufacturing companies in Rwanda, focusing on Inyange Industry Ltd.…”

“…The integration of these trends into project management practices is not only beneficial for improving efficiency and outcomes but also essential for navigating the complexities and uncertainties of today's business environment. In-Depth Case Studies: Trailblazing Project Management Practices Lima et al (2022) conducted a comprehensive study to characterize project management practices of industrial Lean initiatives. This research, encompassing two exploratory industrial case studies, was supplemented by an extensive literature review and interviews with key professionals.…”

“…The integration of Lean and Agile methodologies in project management has emerged as a significant trend. The case studies by Lima et al (2022) and Thaddee, Prudence and Valens (2020), illustrate how these methodologies can be effectively combined to enhance project performance. Lean initiatives focus on waste reduction and efficiency, while Agile methodologies emphasize flexibility and customer-centric development.…”