Lean Transformation

From Mass Production to a Human-Centered Paradigm
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-30558-3
Verlag: Taylor & Francis

Buch, Englisch, 320 Seiten, Format (B × H): 178 mm x 254 mm

This book redefines what it truly means to “go Lean.” It challenges the widespread misconception that Lean is simply a toolkit for boosting efficiency within traditional mass production systems. Instead, it presents Lean as a comprehensive industrial paradigm—an alternative rooted in scalable artisanship, continuous learning, and deep respect for people. Drawing on Toyota’s foundational practices and real-world case studies from across Europe and the Nordics, this book offers a fresh, practice-driven perspective on authentic transformation.

Structured around the key contrasts between mass production and Lean thinking, the book helps readers reframe essential business domains—including product development, quality, logistics, supplier relationships, and people development.

Each chapter blends historical insights from Toyota with contemporary examples from industries such as food production, precision manufacturing, and industrial services. The result is a guide that is both practical and philosophical, bridging the gap between abstract principles and the day-to-day realities of leading change.

Authored by a team of globally recognized Lean experts with decades of hands-on experience, this book draws credibility not only from thought leadership but from guiding real transformations in organizations of all sizes. Their combined expertise moves the conversation beyond theory, offering actionable strategies for executives, managers, and coaches committed to driving meaningful change—not just process optimization.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

Ballé, Michael

Chartier, Nicolas

Chevalier, Julie

Olivencia, Sandrine

Powell, Daryl

Reke, Eivind

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Management: Führung & Motivation
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Entscheidungsfindung
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Unternehmensorganisation & Entwicklungsstrategien
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Wirtschaftssektoren & Branchen Fertigungsindustrie
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Unternehmensorganisation, Corporate Responsibility Unternehmenskultur, Corporate Governance
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Strategisches Management
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Produktionsmanagement, Qualitätskontrolle
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Qualitätsmanagement, Qualitätssicherung (QS), Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Projektmanagement
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Organisationstheorie, Organisationssoziologie, Organisationspsychologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Lean Chapter 2: Customers Chapter 3: Tools Chapter 4: Skills Chapter 5: Leadership Chapter 6: Systems Chapter 7: Culture Chapter 8: Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Michael Ballé is co-author of The Gold Mine, a best-selling business novel of lean turnaround, and recently The Lean Manager, a novel of lean transformation, both published by the Lean Enterprise Institute. For the past 25 years, he has studied lean transformation and helped companies develop a lean culture. He is an engaging and colorful public speaker, experienced in running interactive workshops.

As a managing partner of ESG Consultants, Michael coaches executives in obtaining exceptional performance through using the lean tools, principles, and management attitudes. His main coaching technique is the “Real Place Visit,” where he helps senior executives learn to see their own operational shop floors and draw the right conclusions for their business as a whole while teaching the spirit of kaizen. He has assisted companies in their lean transformations in manufacturing, engineering, construction, services, and healthcare. Michael holds a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Social Sciences and Knowledge Sciences. He is the co-founder of the Project Lean Enterprise and the Institut Lean France.

Daryl Powell is a professor at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. He is also Chief Scientist and Research Manager at SINTEF Manufacturing, and a visiting professor at the University of Bergamo in Italy. Lean transformations, he was also recently awarded the title of Professor of Practice in Lean Manufacturing at the University of Wales Trinity St. David, in Swansea, UK. Dr. Powell’s research focuses on lean manufacturing, digitalization.