A Conceptual Map of the Lean Nomenclature: Comparing Expert Classification to the Lean Literature

Although the implementation of lean can yield improvements in organizational performance, the literature suggests that most organizations are unable to effectively sustain the results from lean implementation efforts. The lack of clarity related to lean concepts may be a cause of unsuccessful implementation. In this work, we seek to clarify conceptual ambiguity in the lean nomenclature. Using an extensive literature review, we document lean principles, practices, and performance measures. Results from a survey of lean experts were used to investigate the relationship between lean principles and practices. Findings from the literature and from the expert survey were synthesized to develop a visual representation of the lean nomenclature. This conceptual map is intended to aid practitioners by increasing clarity of important lean concepts and thus, the probability of successful implementation.