IMPACT OF HYBRID LEAN APPLICATION ON SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE ACROSS ORGANISATIONAL HIERARCHIES

: ANALYSING THROUGH THE LENS OF THEORY OF SWIFT, EVEN FLOW

Abstract

This research portfolio explores the application of 'hybrid lean' principles, combining lean thinking with green, agile, and circular economy concepts, to enhance sustainability performance across different organisational levels. The research rationale stems from the need to extend lean thinking beyond traditional productivity improvement and investigate its impact on sustainability performance. To achieve this, the portfolio presents findings from four published articles conducted between 2017- 2022, adopting a mixed-methods approach that includes single case studies, qualitative interviews, quantitative observations, and comprehensive literature reviews.The portfolio adopts a theory-building approach, utilising the Theory of Swift, Even Flow, which emphasises the importance of reducing waste and achieving a smooth and continuous flow for increased efficiency, to analyse the effects of hybrid lean practices on sustainability performance at the process, supply chain, and systems level. At the process level, lean-green practices improve both productivity and sustainability performance by streamlining production processes and incorporating sustainable procurement. At the supply chain level, applying hybrid lean-agile strategies optimises logistics and reduces waste, contributing to overall sustainability performance within a humanitarian supply chain context. At the systems level, reconfiguring processes and supply chains aligns with the principles of hybrid lean and circular economy, fostering a culture of sustainability within the food systems. The research's contributions are three-fold, impacting theory, practice, and policy. The theoretical expansion of the Theory of Swift, Even Flow, demonstrates how hybrid lean applications effectively contribute to both productivity and sustainability performance. Managerial insights are offered to organisations considering hybrid lean practices, aiding in a better understanding of their impact on sustainability performance. Lastly, policy implications are drawn by studying system linkages and waste flows through a hybrid lean-circular economy paradigm providing a valuable foundation for further exploration in the field, driving advancements in sustainable practices across various organisational levels.

Date of Award	14 Aug 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Roehampton
Supervisor	Wantao Yu (Director of Studies) & Mohammed Rafiq (Co-Supervisor)