Identification of antecedent factors in the implementation of the Lean philosophy in the product development process

Abstract

In this study, the relevant factors for the implementation of Lean in the PDP were evaluated. An analysis was carried out of an implementation of Lean in the PDP of an organization having mastery of the philosophy, proposing a model based on four macro components: leadership and management, organizational culture, tools, and environment. We proposed and analyzed categories of study focused on three temporal scenarios: prior, current and posterior to Lean implanting in the PDP. Eight variables were used as support for an analysis performed through a case study for the validation of the created model. For data collection, questionnaires were used with a semi-structured approach. The results point to the validation of the proposed model, through the elements, categories, and variables used. The macro-structuring elements of leadership and management and of organizational culture were highlighted as fundamental pillars to strengthen Lean in the PDP. Among these, for the three analyzed scenarios, were the following variables: selected and trained team, ability and skills.