Implementation of lean knowledge work in oil and gas industry - a case study from a Risk-Based Inspection project

Rachman, Andika; Ratnayake, R. M. Chandima

doi:10.1109/ieem.2016.7797961

Cited by 10 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Even so, most lean knowledge work-related studies discuss the improvement of operations, such as software production or nursing patient processes. Only, a few studies, such as May (2005), and Rachman and Ratnayake (2016) maintain a different perspective regarding lean applicability in the knowledge work process. Although these academic examples are few, several companies have been taking steps to make their knowledge processes leaner.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in knowledge work, the emphasis is more so placed on adding value than directly targeting waste elimination (May, 2005) and the definitions of value-adding compared to non-value-adding differ from those in the traditional manufacturing industry. In knowledge work, the focus is on practices and methods to handle information (see Rachman & Ratnayake, 2016), as are the iterations that add value to the final product or service. Even the 5S and standardization methods can be implemented in knowledge work, but rather than cleaning the office's physical environment once might find it better to focus on improving knowledge processes to boost productivity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…originating from the left side of the knowledge work continuum), the more easily waste is recognized (Kruger, 2014;McDermott & Venditti, 2015). Rachman and Ratnayake (2016) identify the need to redefine waste categorization to better meet the contextual needs of engineering services. In their case study (engineering service), data management practices can cause major waste; this issue could be tackled by standardizing work (specifically documents) and using a 5S methodology for data management.…”

Section: Lean Principles and Methods In Knowledge Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This often leads to challenges in much knowledge work where workloads are gradually expanded until workers are overwhelmed and handling too much low value activities . It has also been noted that contextual factors affect the implementation of lean, but only Rachman and Ratnayake (2016) have described what this adaptation might look like in the field of waste identification compared to traditional lean waste in manufacturing.…”

Section: Challenges Of Identifying Lean In Knowledge Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Lean methods in knowledge work are found to be present in engineering, product development, and healthcare (e.g. McDermott & Venditti, 2015;Power & Conboy, 2015;Rachman & Ratnayake, 2016). Also a few, more philosophical papers examine lean in general in knowledge work context.…”

Section: Challenges Of Identifying Lean In Knowledge Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Lean approach in knowledge work

Kropsu-Vehkaperä

Isoherranen

2018

JIEM

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Purpose: Knowledge work productivity is a key area of improvement for many organisations. Lean approach is a sustainable way to achieve operational excellence and can be applied in many areas. The purpose of this novel study is to examine the potential of using lean approach for improving knowledge work practices.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review has been carried out to study how lean approach is realised in knowledge work. The research is conceptual in nature and draws upon earlier research findings.Findings: This study shows that lean studies’ in knowledge work is an emerging research area. This study documents the methods and practices implemented in knowledge work to date, and presents a knowledge work continuum, which is an essential framework for effective lean approach deployment and to frame future research focus in knowledge work productivity.Research limitations/implications: This study structures the concept of knowledge work and outlines a concrete concept derived from earlier literature. The study summarises the literature on lean in knowledge work and highlights, which methods are used. More research is needed to understand how lean can be implemented in complex knowledge work environment and not only on the repetitive knowledge work. The limitations of this research are due to the limited availability of previous research.Practical implications: To analyse the nature of knowledge work, we implicate the areas where lean methods especially apply to improving knowledge work productivity. When applying lean in knowledge work context the focus should be using the people better and improving information flow.Originality/value: This study focuses on adapting lean methods into a knowledge work context and summarises earlier research done in this field. The study discusses the potential to improve knowledge work productivity by implementing lean methods and presents a unique knowledge work continuum to frame previous research and give focus for future research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%