This paper describes the application of a new variant of process benchmarking called value stream mapping to the development of a supplier network around a prominent distributor of electronic, electrical and mechanical components. This involved mapping the activities of the firm, identifying...

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to draw on literature underpinning social support to explore individual level considerations when designing social support systems for academic entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach: The paper draws from literature in the fields of entrepreneurship,...

Purpose: Lean remains popular in a wide range of private and public sectors and continues to attract a significant amount of research. However, most of this research is not grounded in theory. This paper presents and discusses different expert viewpoints on the role of theory in lean research...

Purpose: There is convincing evidence that companies need a special form of leadership to succeed with lean transformations. The general advice for lean leaders, however, is often obvious or unrealistic. The purpose of this paper is to propose and discuss specific lean leadership practices for...

Purpose: Hospital organisations are currently experiencing significant challenges that have encouraged a move towards a value-based approach to health care. However, such a transition requires understanding the underlying competencies required to enable such a focus. This paper aims to...

Planning processes for the operations of entire supply chains require examination because business competition demands coherent strategies from them. Research into processes for strategic operations planning has defined the steps and procedures required. Some research has partially addressed...

Purpose – To establish learning points on how an alternative to traditional standard costing and inter‐company transfer pricing mechanisms can be developed and implemented for non‐engineered (agrifood) products such as primary farm produce that acts as a catalyst for inter‐firm...

The paper presents a new explanatory methodology designed to capture the role of Integrated Materials Management in the world's leading manufacturing companies. This methodology is explained via the Integrated Materials Value Pipeline drawing on the earlier Porter Value Chain/System. This new...

The Network Sourcing Model has been designed to capture the leading edge buyer‐supplier relationship as presently exhibited in the Japanese automotive industry. However, several observers expressed two reservations about the model. These were whether it could work outside the automotive...

Value Stream Management is a new strategic and operational approach to the data capture, analysis, planning and implementation of effective change within the core cross‐functional or cross‐company processes required to achieve a truly lean enterprise. This paper describes the method in...