Lean Transformation
From Mass Production to a Human-Centered Paradigm
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 1. December 2026
Book
Hardback
320 pages
978-1-041-30558-3 (ISBN)
Description
This book redefines what it truly means to "go Lean." It challenges the widespread misconception that Lean is simply a toolkit for boosting efficiency within traditional mass production systems. Instead, it presents Lean as a comprehensive industrial paradigm-an alternative rooted in scalable artisanship, continuous learning, and deep respect for people. Drawing on Toyota's foundational practices and real-world case studies from across Europe and the Nordics, this book offers a fresh, practice-driven perspective on authentic transformation.
Structured around the key contrasts between mass production and Lean thinking, the book helps readers reframe essential business domains-including product development, quality, logistics, supplier relationships, and people development.
Each chapter blends historical insights from Toyota with contemporary examples from industries such as food production, precision manufacturing, and industrial services. The result is a guide that is both practical and philosophical, bridging the gap between abstract principles and the day-to-day realities of leading change.
Authored by a team of globally recognized Lean experts with decades of hands-on experience, this book draws credibility not only from thought leadership but from guiding real transformations in organizations of all sizes. Their combined expertise moves the conversation beyond theory, offering actionable strategies for executives, managers, and coaches committed to driving meaningful change-not just process optimization.
Structured around the key contrasts between mass production and Lean thinking, the book helps readers reframe essential business domains-including product development, quality, logistics, supplier relationships, and people development.
Each chapter blends historical insights from Toyota with contemporary examples from industries such as food production, precision manufacturing, and industrial services. The result is a guide that is both practical and philosophical, bridging the gap between abstract principles and the day-to-day realities of leading change.
Authored by a team of globally recognized Lean experts with decades of hands-on experience, this book draws credibility not only from thought leadership but from guiding real transformations in organizations of all sizes. Their combined expertise moves the conversation beyond theory, offering actionable strategies for executives, managers, and coaches committed to driving meaningful change-not just process optimization.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Professional Practice & Development
Illustrations
58 s/w Zeichnungen, 58 s/w Abbildungen
58 Line drawings, black and white; 58 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-041-30558-3 (9781041305583)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Michael Balle | Nicolas Chartier | Julie Chevalier
Lean Transformation
From Mass Production to a Human-Centered Paradigm
Book
approx. 12/2026
1st Edition
Productivity Press
€65.84
Not yet published
Persons
Michael Balle is co-author of The Gold Mine, a best-selling business novel of lean turnaround, and recently The Lean Manager, a novel of lean transformation, both published by the Lean Enterprise Institute. For the past 25 years, he has studied lean transformation and helped companies develop a lean culture. He is an engaging and colorful public speaker, experienced in running interactive workshops.
As a managing partner of ESG Consultants, Michael coaches executives in obtaining exceptional performance through using the lean tools, principles, and management attitudes. His main coaching technique is the "Real Place Visit," where he helps senior executives learn to see their own operational shop floors and draw the right conclusions for their business as a whole while teaching the spirit of kaizen. He has assisted companies in their lean transformations in manufacturing, engineering, construction, services, and healthcare. Michael holds a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Social Sciences and Knowledge Sciences. He is the co-founder of the Project Lean Enterprise and the Institut Lean France.
Daryl Powell is a professor at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. He is also Chief Scientist and Research Manager at SINTEF Manufacturing, and a visiting professor at the University of Bergamo in Italy. Lean transformations, he was also recently awarded the title of Professor of Practice in Lean Manufacturing at the University of Wales Trinity St. David, in Swansea, UK. Dr. Powell's research focuses on lean manufacturing, digitalization.
As a managing partner of ESG Consultants, Michael coaches executives in obtaining exceptional performance through using the lean tools, principles, and management attitudes. His main coaching technique is the "Real Place Visit," where he helps senior executives learn to see their own operational shop floors and draw the right conclusions for their business as a whole while teaching the spirit of kaizen. He has assisted companies in their lean transformations in manufacturing, engineering, construction, services, and healthcare. Michael holds a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Social Sciences and Knowledge Sciences. He is the co-founder of the Project Lean Enterprise and the Institut Lean France.
Daryl Powell is a professor at the Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management. He is also Chief Scientist and Research Manager at SINTEF Manufacturing, and a visiting professor at the University of Bergamo in Italy. Lean transformations, he was also recently awarded the title of Professor of Practice in Lean Manufacturing at the University of Wales Trinity St. David, in Swansea, UK. Dr. Powell's research focuses on lean manufacturing, digitalization.
Content
Chapter 1: Lean Chapter 2: Customers Chapter 3: Tools Chapter 4: Skills Chapter 5: Leadership Chapter 6: Systems Chapter 7: Culture Chapter 8: Conclusion