| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY 66 pages, 23 tables, 8 pictures, 51 references. Objective – develop Lean methodology upon analysis of scientific literature and evaluation of data obtained during the research. Targets: 1. Analyze main Lean principles and methods in terms of importance and relevance; 2. Examine the scientific literature of foreign and Lithuanian authors on the topic of Lean Audit method; 3. Create Lean Audit model and substantiate the suitability, adaptability and usability of its application in a service establishment; 4. Carry out a research to receive data and suggestions from Lean experts on whether the developed methodology conforms to the meaning of Lean Audit concept, and receive recommendations regarding the audit methodology improvement. 5. Based on the empirical research results, provide the areas for improving the conceptual Lean Audit methodology and the measures to stimulate the involvement of Lean experts and consultants in implementing Lean Management System. Survey research sample: Only data from 7 respondents were used in the study, as the information provided by the other Lean experts interviewed did not provide information that would allow for full conclusions. Questions were also asked to foreign book authors. 70 Research methods: Lean Audit methodology was analyzed and comparative analysis was performed. The diversity of Lean Audit concept and Lean Audit process were clarified. A semistructured interview was applied as a survey technique for data collection in empirical research. The data obtained during the empirical research are qualitative, therefore text comprehension and analysis method was applied as well as content analysis method – the collected data classified and categorized. The empirical research was intended to figure out how Lean specialists evaluate Lean Audit methodology under consideration (its concept, process, operating methods) and what possible improvement opportunities they see and could suggest thereto. The thesis consists of three sections, the first one involves a comprehensive overview of literature on Lean management system where Lean principles, methods, philosophy, and peculiarities are provided. The second section encompasses the empirical research method and approach, description of research process and tools. The third section provides the results and analysis of the empirical research, outcome evaluation and summarization, it also contains the model formed following the literature analysis and empirical research results. After the analysis of scientific literature and evaluation of data obtained during the survey research, a model of Lean Audit process and representation of results was developed, and conclusions and recommendations were presented. Lean Audit methodology, enabling its application and substantiation of suitability, adaptability and usability in manufacturing and service establishments, has been developed. A Lean audit methodology has been developed to adapt and justify its suitability, applicability and usefulness in manufacturing and service sector companies. An empirical research methodology has been developed to identify the key factors that define the implementation of the conceptual Lean audit model. A methodology for Lean audit based on the assessment of processes, key areas, also known as “20 keys”, has been created and reasoned. |
