Applying Systems Thingking to Lean Manufacturing Learning

Abstract

Lean Manufacturing seeks to eradicate waste. This pursuit is conducted changing many pre-conceptions inherited from the mass production traditions. It is necessary to understand immediate and delayed impacts of the changes, as well as direct and indirect results of these changes. This systemic approach should enhance the learner’s understanding of the system (the manufacturing company), its variables, its outcomes, and the relationships among the system’s components. This paper presents the process of designing a course to teach Lean Manufacturing to working professionals using systems thinking. This design process is conducted for the development of job competencies and using Active Learning Strategies.