A domain model for capturing knowledge of the Lean approach

Abstract

Purpose: Lean approach is widely recognized today as an effective approach to process management and more specifically to performance improvement of processes. However, there is an ambiguity around this approach, which leads to the failure of several companies to achieve their desired objectives.

Design/methodology/approach: The objective of this paper is to clarify Lean approach by proposing a domain model that describes Lean concepts and the relations between them. The development of this model consists in following the steps: (i) identification of concepts, (ii) identification of relations, and (iii) construction of model.

Findings: This paper proposes a domain model to provide a clearer vision that improves and unifies the understanding of Lean approach to ensure its effective application to business processes.

Originality/value: The domain model allows to remove any ambiguity and to successfully implement the Lean approach in order to achieve the desired objectives by emphasizing its concepts and the relationships between them.