Project Management and Theory of Lean - Essay Example

Although the applications of Lean in healthcare and the wider public sector are often reported, they were rarely formally evaluated from the academic perspective (Proudlove, 2006 in Jones and Mitchell, 2006). In the same study undertaken by Proudlove, et al (2006), it was suggested that of particular significance to Lean are the use of clear and appropriate terminology and the difficulties in identifying customers and processes in a healthcare setting. Lean is currently the major focus in the NHS in which there appears to be a huge potential of adopting Lean thinking. Proudlove, et al (2006) consider their study with an indication that a deeper appreciation of Lean may be necessary once the undergrowth is clear, as well as how concepts such as those pertaining to customers and value to complex organizations may be translated.

Literature Review

            The Lean principle had been thought to integrate with other theories such as the Six Sigma theory since the two often offer features that complement each other, although there appears to be no consensus on how this may be done (Proudlove, et al., 2006). The manufacturing industry has been using Lean Sigma in its quest for continuous improvement of competitive advantage, which has been its primary goal. The study of Babensky, et al (2004) about how Lean Sigma may work for the healthcare system indicates its applicability in this field through its implementation-oriented approach that differentiates it from other quality improvement processes. In the study, the Lean initiatives were implemented using the Kaizen Breakthrough Methodology concept, where business improvement objectives guided cross-functional teams in reducing overall lead times through the elimination of wastes in the process.

            Lean techniques were also proposed for use in the radiology services, in which all management information and waiting lists were manually produced (Lodge and Bamford, 2008).