Application of Lean Production (LP) tools in SMEs in Greater Poland region
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Wydział Inżynierii Zarządzania, Politechnika Poznańska, Polska
Submission date: 2023-07-07
Final revision date: 2023-08-16
Acceptance date: 2023-08-29
Publication date: 2023-12-31
Corresponding author
Maciej Ciszewski
Wydział Inżynierii Zarządzania, Politechnika Poznańska, ul. J. Rychlewskiego 2, 60-965, Poznań, Polska
Organizacja i Zarządzanie 2023;88:55-74
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ABSTRACT
Effective production management can provide a company with a competitive advantage and the elimination of waste in production becomes a priority. In relation to this, a literature review was undertaken, the main purpose of which was to analyze publications on the implementation of Lean Production (LP) in Poland. As a result of a literature search using keyword analysis, a shortage of publications on the implementation of LP tools in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was discovered. Most of the publications concerned large companies and focused on analyses of the postimplementation effects of individual LP tools, despite SMEs generating 77% of the Polish GDP. An attempt was made to fill the observed research gap relating to the shortage of research on the use of LP tools in SMEs. The research methodology included an analysis of selected articles, conclusions from a survey conducted using an original questionnaire in 300 small and medium-sized enterprises in Wielkopolska (Greater Poland), and participant observation. The aim of the research was to show which LP tools are most often used in SMEs depending on the type of activity and to analyze the implementation plans for these LP tools. The article determines the level of current and expected use of LP tools in Wielkopolska’s SMEs within 3 years and reveals the links between these tools. The article ends with a summary presenting the conclusions of the research. The acquired knowledge may be useful for students of management and quality sciences, as well as Lean implementation practitioners involved in the organization of production.