Title: The application of lean principles and its effects in technology development

Authors: Daniel Gerhard; Sebastian Engel; Christian Scheiner; Kai-Ingo Voigt

Addresses: Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany. ' Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany. ' Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany. ' Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Lange Gasse 20, 90403 Nuremberg, Germany

Abstract: Creating and managing technological knowledge is the competitive advantage in innovation-intense industries. Sophisticated technology development which is faster and more efficient than the competitor|s is the basis for competitiveness and future success. In this context, the transfer and application of lean principles to technology development is an appropriate approach to face these challenges. Our study investigates the impact of lean principles in innovation-intense organisations (i.e., companies of the automotive and machinery industries as well as in research facilities). Our results suggest that the implementation of lean principles create positive effects in technology development, e.g., reducing the development time and increasing the development efficiency. Out of the existing lean principles, the two principles |avoidance of waste| and |flow| have the highest influence on the improvement of development activities.

Keywords: technology management; technology development; R&D management; lean management; research and development; innovation; lean principles; automotive technology; automobile industry; machinery industry; waste avoidance; flow.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2012.043953

International Journal of Technology Management, 2012 Vol.57 No.1/2/3, pp.92 - 109

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article