Title: Improving lean transformation success with change management techniques

Authors: Ariella Janka Tarjáni; Noémi Kalló; Béla Pataki

Addresses: Department of Management and Business Economics, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary ' Department of Management and Business Economics, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary ' Department of Management and Business Economics, Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary

Abstract: While the success rate of lean transformations is low, soft management techniques such as change management methodologies are rarely mentioned in the lean literature. Combining the different approaches represented by lean and change management can support the success of lean projects and the organisation. As lean transformations are inevitably radical changes in organisations, they must be supported suitably by change management techniques. We show how the success of such a change can be forecasted and how the preparation and implementation phase can be supported with the help of change management. This paper presents a case study where a new lean tool, an online kanban board, is introduced into the operation of a service SME. Based on the case study, we recommend using the presented change management tools for lean implementations.

Keywords: change management; lean management; lean office; kanban board; case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.152954

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.53 No.4, pp.518 - 538

Received: 18 Dec 2023
Accepted: 09 Jan 2024
Published online: 17 Apr 2026 *

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