5.3 Lean production and quality management

Objective notes

7 learning objectives

5.3.1(HL)—Lean production features

• Define features of lean production

• Lean production aims for less waste and greater efficiency

5.3.2(HL)—Lean production methods

• Apply continuous improvement or kaizen and just-in-time (JIT)

• Lean methods reduce waste, stock, delays, and defects

5.3.3(HL)—Cradle to cradle design and manufacturing

• Analyse features of cradle to cradle design and manufacturing

• Cradle to cradle focuses on reuse, closed loops, and sustainable materials

5.3.4(HL)—Quality control and quality assurance

• Analyse features of quality control and quality assurance

• Quality control inspects outputs; quality assurance builds quality into processes

5.3.5(HL)—Quality management methods

• Apply quality circle, benchmarking, and total quality management (TQM)

• Quality management aims to improve consistency, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement

5.3.6(HL)—Impact of lean production and TQM

• Evaluate impact of lean production and TQM on an organization

• Impacts may include lower costs, higher quality, improved motivation, disruption, training needs, and supplier dependence

5.3.7(HL)—Quality standards

• Analyse importance of national and international quality standards

• Standards can improve trust, consistency, market access, and compliance