Lean in Swedish agriculture: strategic and operational perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present and test a framework for lean implementation in the agricultural sector, addressing challenges from an operational and strategical perspective. The article builds on the previous literature on the use of Lean and reports empirical data from a lean implementation project in the south-western Sweden, including interviews, observations, diaries and questionnaires. A framework is developed to examine strategic and operational perspectives on Lean Thinking. Using this framework, a number of challenges encountered in Lean implementation are presented. This article is limited to the study of Lean among a group of Swedish farms although its findings may have implications for the wider agricultural sectors. Many societal challenges are linked with agricultural sustainability, stressing the need for productive, resource-efficient, resilient and less wasteful food production. This article is the first to develop and test a Lean implementation framework in the agriculture sector. ARTICLE HISTORY

Lean production as a means of ensuring the sustainable development of agricultural enterprises

“…The research provides a description of the most common lean concept tools and techniques as well as a practical view of their implementation in the activity of Brazilian agricultural business units. M. Melin and H. Barth [11] provide an extensive view on peculiarities of lean concept implementation in Swedish agricultural sector. The authors outline the essential elements and phases of lean thinking implementation, as well as note the role of appropriate governmental support programmes.…”

“…The program provided learning of lean principles for agricultural producers, including traineeship, workshops and coaching in order to achieve the increase in performance efficiency. Approximately 100 farms have been involved to various types of activity within the program since it was introduced [11].…”

Value stream mapping for sustainable change at a Swedish dairy farm

“…However, it is not clear how Lean is used in the agricultural sector. A number of Swedish farmers have begun to use Lean principles and methods to become more efficient (Melin and Barth, 2018). Based on a Lean Thinking framework, Melin and Barth (2018) address Lean implementation from a strategic and operational perspective.…”

“…A number of Swedish farmers have begun to use Lean principles and methods to become more efficient (Melin and Barth, 2018). Based on a Lean Thinking framework, Melin and Barth (2018) address Lean implementation from a strategic and operational perspective. Conclusions drawn indicate that basic knowledge and tools can be implemented, but challenges exist when it comes to more strategic aspects such as continues changes and development, commitment of management, training of managers and employees (Melin and Barth, 2018).…”

Lean service, business strategy and ABC and their impact on firm performance

“…Galeazzo and Furlan 2018;Shamsuzzaman et al 2018;Hadid and Mansouri 2014), more attention has been devoted to the factors which facilitate/hinder the implementation of its practices (e.g. Bellisario and Pavlov 2018;Melin and Barth 2018;Tezel, Koskela, and Aziz 2018). This is not surprising especially due to the major changes brought about by lean practices and the investment needed to implement and maintain them (Swink and Jacobs 2012;Scherrer-Rathje, Boyle, and Deflorin 2009).…”