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Method vs. Tool
Dear Gemba Coach: I think that TPM, JIT, SMED, Heijunka are methods and the 5S, VSM Kaizen are tools. Perhaps…
Read article What Level of a Problem Requires an A3?
Here are some thoughts to help you determine what type of problem you have, and how to apply A3 thinking…
Read article Getting Over Gemba-phobia
“I work in a company where leaders think gemba walks are scheduled visits to the factory to look at performance…
Read article Performance versus costs, part 2
Dear Gemba Coach: I’ve read your recent column on performance versus cost with great interest, as I believe we’re currently having…
Read article Gemba Walk Checklist
Jim responds to this question from his Gemba Walks webinar: “Do you find it easier to complete your Gemba Walk…
Read article Problems First and Positive Thinking
Dear Gemba Coach: Isn’t always focusing on problems discouraging? My people feel that they’d like to be recognized for their successes…
Read article For Lean Thinkers, “Clutch” Offers Lessons in Planning and Leading
Read an excerpt from Paul Sullivan's new book Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others Don't, discussing what…
Read article Leadership Q&A: Robert Chapman, chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc: “Guiding Principles of Leadership”
Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. CEO Robert Chapman describes how the company's Guiding Principles of Leadership merge with lean thinking at this…
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The Gemba Walks Webinar Follow-Up Q&A Video
On June 23, 2011 LEI presented the webinar "Sustaining Lean Gains by Taking a Gemba Walk", featuring Jim Womack, author…
Watch video Lean Management Benefits Delayed at Airlines and Aerospace Companies by Traditional Management Practices
Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, kaizen, and kanban are common in aerospace shops and offices, but their effect is…
Read article Who’s Responsible
In reviewing my calendar, I find that I have taken eight gemba walks in the last five weeks. These ranged…
Read article Performance Versus Cost
Dear Gemba Coach: I am the continuous improvement director of a large hospital. We invested two years ago in a central…
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