Barriers and benefits of implementing the lean concept in enterprises

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the paper is to present preliminary research concerning the barriers and benefits of implementing the Lean concept in enterprises from the Greater Poland Voivodeship.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methodology is composed of three major steps. First, the meaning of Lean was discussed. This is followed by a description of implementation and the barriers involved. In the following section, the benefits of applying the Lean concept are analysed.

FINDINGS: The results of the research were presented and analysed, in the conclusion, it was pointed out that a large part of companies poorly implement and apply the concept of Lean, which negatively affects their competitiveness on the market.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The respondents after they got the presented have found that it is worthwhile to use new management systems to become a leader in their industry. Presenting the paper to the wider group can contribute to dissemination of the lean concept not only in large but also in small companies.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The value of the paper is mostly practical, as the lean concept is widely presented in literature, yet not fully explored in business practice.