Lean Production for Competitive Advantage ─ A Comprehensive Guide to Lean Methodologies and Management Practices

The Lean concepts and principles described in this book have revolutionized manufacturing practice and business conduct in a manner similar to what Henry Ford’s system did for mass manufacturing. Lean production however, involves much more than the adoption of methods and procedures, it requires a change in management philosophy that emphasizes relationship building, trust, and responsibility being conferred to frontline workers and suppliers.

Based on three decades of teaching experience, Lean Production for a Competitive Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Lean Methodologies and Management Practices introduces the Lean philosophy and illustrates the effective application of Lean tools with real-world case studies. From fundamental concepts to integrated planning and control in pull production and the supply chain, the text provides a complete introduction to Lean production. Coverage includes small batch production, setup reduction, pull production, preventive maintenance, standard operations, as well as synchronizing and scheduling lean operations. Detailing the key principles and practices of Lean production, the text also:



Illustrates effective implementation techniques with case studies from a range of industries
Includes questions and completed problems in each chapter
Explains how to effectively partner with suppliers and employees to accomplish productivity goals


Designed for students who have a basic foundation in production and operations management, the text provides a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of Lean. It also offers practical know-how for implementing a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor or in the office, creating a heightened sense of responsibility and pride in all stakeholders involved, and enhancing productivity and efficiency to improve the bottom line.

Instructor’s material available – please contact: orders@taylorandfrancis.com or call 1-800-634-7064 to request these materials. More

John Nicholas is professor of operations management at Loyola University Chicago where he teaches in the areas of production and operations management, healthcare management, project management, and global operations management. He first introduced a course on lean production at Loyola in 1990. As a management consultant he has conducted productivity improvement projects and training programs in process improvement, quality circles, project management, and teamwork.
He is the author of numerous academic and technical trade publications and four books, including The Portal to Lean Production: Principles and Practices for Doing More with Less and Project Management for Business, Engineering and Technology: Principles and Practices.
Prior to Loyola John held the positions of test engineer and team lead for Lockheed/Martin Corporation, senior business analyst at Bank of America, and research associate at Argonne National Laboratory. He has a BS in aerospace engineering and an MBA in operations research and management, both from the University of Illinois, and a PhD in industrial engineering and applied behavioral science from Northwestern University. More

Race without a Finish LineContinuous Improvement, Waste Elimination, Customer-Focused QualityFundamentals of Continuous ImprovementValue Added and Waste EliminationCustomer-Focused Quality
Elements of Lean ProductionSmall Lot ProductionSetup-Time ReductionMaintaining and Improving EquipmentPull Production SystemsFocused Factories and Group TechnologyWorkcells and Cellular ManufacturingStandard OperationsQuality at the Source and Mistake-Proofing
Lean Production Planning, Control, and Supply ChainsUniform Flow and Mixed-Model SchedulingSynchronizing and Balancing the ProcessPlanning and Control in Pull ProductionLean Production in the Supply Chain