Title: A comparative analysis of quantitative-based methods used for lean index assessment

Authors: Omogbai Oleghe; Konstantinos Salonitis

Addresses: Manufacturing Department, Cranfield University, MK43 0AL, Cranfield, UK ' Manufacturing Department, Cranfield University, MK43 0AL, Cranfield, UK

Abstract: The lean index is a holistic measure of lean performance. Its assessment has been approached using qualitative and quantitative-based methods. While the qualitative based methods are of the self-assessment type, there is no such congruence with quantitative-based ones. This inconsistency can lead to confusion as to which quantitative-based methods should be adopted for specific situations. We attempt to address this issue by applying and comparing some quantitative-based methods within a manufacturing system case. Four methods based on analytical hierarchy process, data envelopment analysis, factor analysis and fuzzy logic, were set apart after a literature review, and applied to the production performance dataset of the case. The methods returned different lean index results thereby providing varied information about system lean performance. Sensitivity tests revealed the data envelopment analysis method to be the most robust.

Keywords: lean index; lean assessment; lean performance; quantitative methods; manufacturing system.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEME.2018.095633

International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 2018 Vol.6 No.2/3, pp.186 - 206

Received: 09 May 2016
Accepted: 15 Apr 2017
Published online: 16 Oct 2018 *

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