Implementing Lean Management in the Romanian Industry

Category of paper Research paper combined with a case study Purpose To demonstrate that lean management could be successfully applied in an enterprise from an Eastern European country like Romania. To propose solutions in order to improve the current management practices in the Romanian industry and to increase productivity in order to deal with global competition. To implement the customer-supplier logic within a Romanian manufacturing enterprise. Design/methodology/approach The main objectives of the paper were achieved by using quantitative and qualitative research methods. A survey, based on a questionnaire applied to the firm’s employees, was conducted and the work processes during a product cycle were observed by the two authors. Focus-groups were also organized within the Romanian enterprise. Findings Findings are related to the business environment and economical changes in Romania. Due to the implementation of lean management in the Romanian enterprise, waste decreased in a significant manner, work productivity increased and work area decreased. Also, by using lean production and management, emphasis is put on inter-functional effectiveness, process efficiency and system flexibility. Training (for instance “5S” training) and team work play a key role in implementing a customer-supplier logic (or internal client or customer-in) within the Romanian enterprise. Research limitations There are little statistical methods applied in the Romanian industry. That is why future research should focus on the performance measurement and the indicators used in the management of the processes in a manufacturing enterprise. Practical implications Romanian government, private and public enterprises could use the findings in order to rethink some of theirs management strategies and practices. Changes should be made within manufacturing enterprises in order to gain a flexible and organizational structure. Originality/value The paper shows that the lean paradigm leads to a management-byprocess organization. On the other hand, the paper demonstrates that lean management could be successfully applied in a Romanian manufacturing enterprise. Suggestions are made 270 Paul Marinescu, Sorin George Toma regarding the solutions needed for improving the current managerial practices in the Romanian industry.