Original Research

The integration of lean, green and best practice business principles

Annelize Wiese, Rose Luke, Gert J. Heyns, Noleen M. Pisa
Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management | Vol 9, No 1 | a192 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jtscm.v9i1.192 | © 2015 Annelize Wiese, Rose Luke, Gert J. Heyns, Noleen M. Pisa | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 May 2015 | Published: 07 October 2015

About the author(s)

Annelize Wiese, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Rose Luke, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Gert J. Heyns, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Noleen M. Pisa, Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Whilst there are separate streams of established research on lean, green and best practice initiatives, the intersection of these three strategic principles has not been addressed extensively in the past.

Objectives: In this study a framework to integrate lean, green and best practice principles into an integrated business model was developed as a strategy for businesses to develop sustainable competitive advantages.

Method: A descriptive case study was conducted on Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) to understand whether a clear link between the company’s environmental approach, lean principles and established best practice culture could be determined. In addition, the case study tested the view that the implementation of these three principles concurrently resulted in improved business results.

Results: The main findings of the study revealed that TSAM’s commitment to lean, green and best practice business principles contributed and was directly linked to its business success in terms of sales and market position.

Conclusion: It is recommended that businesses implement an integrated lean, green and best practice business model as a strategy to reduce costs and sustainably enhance profitably and competitiveness.


Keywords

Lean, green, best practice, integrated business model, sustainable competitive advantage, improved business performance

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Crossref Citations

1. Integrated Lean-Green Practices and Supply Chain Sustainability for Manufacturing SMEs: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Wilson Kosasih, I Nyoman Pujawan, Putu Dana Karningsih
Sustainability  vol: 15  issue: 16  first page: 12192  year: 2023  
doi: 10.3390/su151612192