Underpinnings of Lean Leadership

Underpinnings of Lean Leadership

December 8, 2020
David Little, Ph.D.

Mr. Yoshinio was a young man working in a paint shop when he applied the wrong paint to a product.  Fearing his manager would fire him for this mistake, Mr. Yoshino was inspired when his manager listened and worked to correct a faulty process instead.

In cooperation with the Lean Enterprise Institute, consultant Katie Anderson describes how Lean legend Isao Yoshino learned first-hand the value of blaming the process instead of the people when failures occur.

Supply Chain Digest’s article highlights the underpinnings of Lean leadership in action.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the Supply Chain Digest article, Supply Chain News: Lean Thinking Means Blaming Process, not People, by SCDigest Editorial Staff, October 14, 2020, and the YouTube videos in the Spotlight. Image source: Juice Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Mr. Yoshino’s manager demonstrate “respect for people” as a Lean principle?  What impact would this type of management behavior have Continue reading →

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JIT Risks in the Food Supply Chain

JIT Risks in the Food Supply Chain

May 7, 2020
David Little, Ph.D.

The just-in-time supply chain for grocery store replenishment depends on transportation of food items from around the globe.  Shipping is primarily used to move food items. COVID-19 restrictions have slowed down the movement of goods dramatically.

Most grocery stores carry limited days of inventory and depend on transportation systems all working on time.  The pandemic has exposed a major flaw in just-in-time systems: no extra inventory in the system.

Video Spotlight:

This post is based on the CNN article, Can’t fine what you want in the grocery store? Here’s why, by Hanna Ziady, April 2, 2020, and the YouTube videos in the Spotlight. Image source: Tada Images/Shutterstock

Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss the limitations of the just-in-time supply chains.

Guidance: The major limitation discussed in the article is a disruption with transportation systems.  Without reliable transportation, just-in-time is not possible.  Students may also note that having little safety stock at distribution centers closer to retailers is another concern. Continue reading →

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India’s Short-Lived Ban on Exports of Coronavirus Drug

India’s Short-Lived Ban on Exports of Coronavirus Drug

April 29, 2020
Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.

As demand for potential coronavirus drugs surges during this pandemic, several countries have banned the export of these drugs.  As many drugs and/or their key ingredients are made in a handful of countries, export bans create tremendous problem and potential shortages.

India announced a partial ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine in late March. Following a threatened retaliation from President Trump, the ban was at least partially lifted.

Several researchers are studying the affect of this drug in combination with the antibiotic azithromycin.  One small-sample study in France showed promising, but not definitive results.  In addition to potential for treating coronavirus, hydroxychloroquine has been used in the prevention and treatment of malaria for many years.

Video Spotlight: Increase in demand for drugs to treat coronavirus leads to shortages (Mar 23, 2020, CBS Evening News)

This post is based on the Bloomberg article, Global Rush for Trump-Backed Virus Drug Sparks India Export Ban, by Bloomberg News, March 24, 2020; the Japan Times article, After Trump threat, India lifts export ban on COVID-19 treatment drug, by Bloomberg, April 7, 2020; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: aberration/123RF

Discussion Questions: Continue reading →

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