Waste analysis framework for lean production: pilot study in a healthcare setting Online publication date: Tue, 12-Oct-2021
by Zahra Akrami; Seyed-Hadi Mirghaderi; Ali Naghi Mosleh Shirazi
International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM), Vol. 34, No. 1, 2021
Abstract: This paper utilises the constructive research approach for developing a systematic and step-by-step waste analysis framework. The purpose is to facilitate the implementation of lean operations in organisations. The suggested framework consists of seven steps: 1) finding the cause of wastes; 2) finding solutions; 3) diagramming the relationship among wastes, causes, and solutions; 4) estimating the cost of wastes; 5) determining the weight of wastes; 6) clustering wastes; 7) ranking waste clusters. By implementing the proposed framework in a hospital ward, which tends to be a lean healthcare system, we found that there are three clusters in 20 wastes. Then, we ranked the clusters concerning the cost and importance of the wastes. Real-world results confirmed that this method has the capability of providing a scientific way for the selection of a cluster of wastes with higher priority than others and subsequently, facilitating removal of the cluster.
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