This paper introduces a practice-oriented and field-tested approach to measure and evaluate volume and mix flexibility of a lean production system. After an introductory literature review revealing and classifying various types of flexibility as well as models to determine the flexibility of production systems, the most important flexibility types volume and mix flexibility are identified. Exis...

The development of insulin resistance in the obese individual could impair the ability to appropriately adjust metabolism to perturbations in energy balance. We investigated a 12- vs. 48-h fast on hepatic glucose production (R(a)), peripheral glucose uptake (R(d)), and skeletal muscle insulin signaling in lean and obese subjects. Healthy lean [n = 14; age = 28.0 +/- 1.4 yr; body mass index (BMI...

This paper presents an exploratory study of lean manufacturing implementation in Malaysian automotive industries. A questionnaire survey is used to explore the extent of lean manufacturing implementation. This paper also examines the drivers and barriers that influence the implementation of lean manufacturing. The survey was performed on sixty Malaysian automotive components manufacturing firms...

Teaching multifaceted concepts such as Lean philosophy to students/employees that have never had any contact with it may be a quite challenging task. The challenge, when teaching students, is to create a context so that they can imagine and understand why Lean philosophy is important and how it can work. On the other hand, when teaching employees/practitioners, the challenge is to translate the...