Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present and test a framework for lean implementation in the agricultural sector, addressing challenges from an operational and strategical perspective. The article builds on the previous literature on the use of Lean and reports empirical data from a lean implementation project in the south-western Sweden, including interviews, observations, diaries and questionnaires. A framework is developed to examine strategic and operational perspectives on Lean Thinking. Using this framework, a number of challenges encountered in Lean implementation are presented. This article is limited to the study of Lean among a group of Swedish farms although its findings may have implications for the wider agricultural sectors. Many societal challenges are linked with agricultural sustainability, stressing the need for productive, resource-efficient, resilient and less wasteful food production. This article is the first to develop and test a Lean implementation framework in the agriculture sector.

Keywords

Action research; agriculture; food; Lean production; Lean Thinking; SMEs

Published in

Production Planning and Control
2018, Volume: 29, number: 10, pages: 845-855
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

SLU Authors

• Melin, Martin

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation


UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2018.1479784

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/96967