Elements of a lean manufacturing programme Much has been written and published about lean manufacturing programmes. The focus of which would appear to be on the technical elements of such programmes i.e. specific tools and techniques, human resources and the cultural implications and requirements. However during the author's period of research, the findings of which indicate that very little headway would appear to have been made regarding the strategic and competitive framework within which …showed first 75 words of 3526 total…

…showed last 75 words of 3526 total…they strategic or operational. No clear defined or obvious evidence of a totally integrated strategic framework, encompassing the key elements of a lean manufacturing strategy was found. Based upon a review of the researched material, it is clear that each cited theory, system and approach is supported by a plethora of case study success stories. So which one, if any, offers all or indeed any of the critical success factors of a lean manufacturing system?