Complete Guide to Lean Thinking
Importance of Lean Thinking:
Lean Thinking is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within a system while simultaneously maximizing productivity. It is crucial because it helps organisations to enhance efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and boost employees' morale.
What is Lean Thinking?
Lean thinking is a business methodology that aims to provide a new way to think about how to organize human activities to deliver more benefits to society and value to individuals while eliminating waste.
How does Lean Thinking work?
Lean Thinking works by continually seeking to eliminate waste, waiting times, overproduction, and other factors that do not contribute to the value. It uses tools like Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kanban, and continuous improvement to achieve these goals.
How to answer questions regarding Lean Thinking in an exam?
When addressing queries related to Lean Thinking, it is essential to:
1. Understand the principle behind the concept - focusing on value and minimizing waste.
2. Provide real-life examples wherever possible. It helps the examiner understand your level of understanding.
3. Connect it with other related concepts like Agile or Six Sigma if the question demands.
4. Stay concise and clear in your responses.
5. Revise key tools used in Lean like Value Stream Mapping, Kanban etc., before the exam.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Lean Thinking
1. Make sure to revise the five basic principles of lean thinking.
2. Understand the difference between 'value' and 'waste' in lean ideology.
3. Be prepared to discuss the practical applications and benefits of lean thinking.
4. When a question asks about lean in a specific context (like manufacturing or software development), remember to tailor your answer to that context.
5. All your answers should reflect a thorough understanding of how lean thinking can improve efficiency and eliminate waste.