Title: The need for implementing lean in the public sector

Authors: Shelli L. Neumann; William M. Mothersell; Jaideep Motwani

Addresses: City of East Lansing, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA ' Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University, L. William Seidman Center 3075, 50 Front Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6424, USA ' Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University, L. William Seidman Center 3075, 50 Front Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6424, USA

Abstract: Despite the delay in considering lean processes, the public sector is now in a position that they have no excuse or reason to ignore lean processes, considering the challenges they are facing in the 21st century. Using four case examples of lean implementation in the public sector, this paper identifies the key reasons for implementing lean processes and the challenges/barriers unique to the public services realm.

Keywords: lean processes; public sector; high performance organisations; kaizen; case studies; six sigma; continuous improvement; lean implementation; public services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2015.065982

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2015 Vol.8 No.1, pp.104 - 121

Published online: 28 Mar 2015 *

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