Lean Research

Participate in Lean Research

We founded the Lean Enterprise Academy with the aims of conducting lean research. Initially we benchmarked performance. Next we took lean to new sectors and environments. Along the way we recognised the importance of helping organisations develop their own lean journeys through teaching and coaching. To spread and disseminate lean we share insights, stories and lessons learned from our action research and practice in the field.

Research starts with questions. Here are some examples:

How to equip leaders with the ability to identify and solve problems?

Our research into problem solving includes looking at effective ways to transfer problem solving skills. We have conducted extensive experimentation in this area, developing learning materials and learning processes to aid organisations develop such activity better, faster and cheaper.

4 Step Rapid Problem Solving – Skill Level 1: Knowledge

This is a FREE self-paced 1 hour course that is hosted on our online Learning Platform. By completing this course you will gain the basic Purpose, Process and People knowledge about 4 Step Rapid Problem Solving.

A3 8 Step Practical Problem Solving – Skill Level 1: Knowledge

This is a self-paced 2 hour course that is hosted on our online Learning Platform . By completeting this course you will gain the basic Purpose, Process and People knowledge about A3 Practical Problem Solving.

Typical Problem Solving Questions

In our A3 Problem Solving webinars from 2021, we were asked some key questions around problem solving that we thought would be helpful to share with the Lean Enterprise Academy community. Throughout the article are some useful learning materials based around A3 problem solving.

How does the lean organisation best develop capability?

Lean Capability Development

Here we explain the Purpose, Process and People elements of Capability Development.

What does a lean management system look and feel like and what alternative approaches have been most successful at introducing one?

Our research into lean management systems includes what they are and how organisations can best take on board developing their own. We have developed learning materials and learning processes to aid organisations with both introduction, maintenance and improvement of their management systems.

What is a Lean Management System?

A well-defined management system is key to meet customer and organisational purpose. The management system is the organisation’s operating system. The way we approach management and improvement. When considering the design of the lean management system, it helps to think about two fundamental requirements. Firstly, how we organise ourselves to manage performance and secondly, how we organise to manage improvement.

Learning about Lean Management Systems

We have codified our research on Management Systems for Performance on our online lean learning platform.

How can lean thinking be used in conjunction with low-code/no code applications to support value creation?

Digitisation is now part of the world of work. However many potential improvements get stuck when an inflexible system cannot be changed. We’ve conducted research into developing and using low code/no code applications to solve problems in doing the work.

Building applications that really support the daily work

Technology should help people in their work, and it’s with this in mind that the general manager of this car preparation centre decided to learn to develop lean apps.

lean leaper with a magnifying glass, doing lean research

Our research partners learn alongside us. Together we capture lessons from experiments and provide support to organisations to get started, deepen or enhance their understanding of lean. The purpose is to benefit organisations, team members, society and the environment. Please contact us to be involved in our research.