Implementation of Sustainable Lean Management Practices in a Small-Medium Sized Enterprise
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Business Analytics | Business and Corporate Communications | Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | Industrial Engineering | Leadership | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Strategic Management Policy | Technology and Innovation | Training and Development
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the urgency for sustainable practices within organizational frameworks has never been more critical. By harmonizing economic principles with environmental stewardship and social responsibility through the scope of Triple Bottom Line (TBL), sustainable lean management practices emerge as indispensable tools for navigating the complexities of our contemporary global landscape. This research project delves into the imperative adopting of such practices within an Atlanta-based Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) with ~200 employees by following a sequential approach encompassing multiple steps. Initially, top-level management of different divisions was interviewed, followed by subsequent interviews with floor-level and high-level employees of each division to gather diverse perspectives over a 6-month period. Thereafter, a survey with targeted questions was constructed based on the initial data analysis as well as the insights gained from all rounds of the interviews to elicit specific information pertinent to the TBL strategies. The resulting analysis brought to light multiple solutions including: 1) introducing a short media clip for new hires to offer headway for the executives to express expectations and deliver general information; 2) providing clear written guidelines as well as short media clip from experienced employees for task implementation; 3) offering frequent and constructive feedback mechanisms to enhance employee performance; 4) establishing solid pathways for promotion and growth to boost employee morale and engagement; and 5) devising a strategy for continuous improvement with specific next-step outlines for follow-up assessments. We believe that our adopted holistic approach, reflecting the TBL principles, ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and offers a creative potential for SMEs to not only mitigate environmental degradation but also foster resilient, socially equitable organizations through supportive and inclusive atmospheres, which is ultimately poised for long-term economic success without sacrificing the bottom line.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Parisa Pooyan
Implementation of Sustainable Lean Management Practices in a Small-Medium Sized Enterprise
In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the urgency for sustainable practices within organizational frameworks has never been more critical. By harmonizing economic principles with environmental stewardship and social responsibility through the scope of Triple Bottom Line (TBL), sustainable lean management practices emerge as indispensable tools for navigating the complexities of our contemporary global landscape. This research project delves into the imperative adopting of such practices within an Atlanta-based Small to Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) with ~200 employees by following a sequential approach encompassing multiple steps. Initially, top-level management of different divisions was interviewed, followed by subsequent interviews with floor-level and high-level employees of each division to gather diverse perspectives over a 6-month period. Thereafter, a survey with targeted questions was constructed based on the initial data analysis as well as the insights gained from all rounds of the interviews to elicit specific information pertinent to the TBL strategies. The resulting analysis brought to light multiple solutions including: 1) introducing a short media clip for new hires to offer headway for the executives to express expectations and deliver general information; 2) providing clear written guidelines as well as short media clip from experienced employees for task implementation; 3) offering frequent and constructive feedback mechanisms to enhance employee performance; 4) establishing solid pathways for promotion and growth to boost employee morale and engagement; and 5) devising a strategy for continuous improvement with specific next-step outlines for follow-up assessments. We believe that our adopted holistic approach, reflecting the TBL principles, ensures a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and offers a creative potential for SMEs to not only mitigate environmental degradation but also foster resilient, socially equitable organizations through supportive and inclusive atmospheres, which is ultimately poised for long-term economic success without sacrificing the bottom line.