Analysis of Lean transformation and Lean Manufacturing Tools and Techniques in the automotive industries (Man Force Trucks and Volvo Eicher Motors)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My thanks go out to all who have helped me complete this study and with whom this project may have not been possible. In particular, my gratitude goes out to friends, facilitator and family for extensive and helpful comments on early drafts. I am also deeply indebted to the authors who have shared my interest and preceded me. Their works provided me with a host of information to learn from and build upon, also served as examples to emulate.

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DECLARATION

I, (Your name), would like to declare that all contents included in this thesis/dissertation stand for my individual work without any aid, & this thesis/dissertation has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level previously. It is also representing my very own views & not essentially which are associated with university.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSII

DECLARATIONIII

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY1

Introduction of the Methodology1

Philosophical Framework or Paradigm1

Social Constructivist Theory5

Phenomenology6

Research Design8

Sampling Design9

Measures10

Data Collection Procedures11

Data Analysis Procedures12

Limitations of Methodology13

CHAPTER 4: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS14

Introduction14

Primary research14

Secondary research28

The Process Tools and Techniques28

The Support System Tools and Techniques29

Summary30

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION, IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS33

Lean in Man Force Trucks and Volvo Eicher Motors34

The lean quality / continuous improvement tool set36

Lean Process Tool Set39

Lean Support Tool Set41

Conclusions43

Recommendations49

REFERENCES57

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

Introduction of the Methodology

This chapter describes the methodology that the researcher uses the reason for selecting the methodology and why it is appropriate for the study. The theoretical framework for the study is discussed, and research questions are presented. The design strategy of research is presented along with the assumptions and rationale. The sampling design, measuring instruments, data collection procedures, data analysis, constraints, outcomes, and deadlines for research activities are discussed (Emiliani 2009, 615).

Philosophical Framework or Paradigm

Groenewald defined the philosophical framework or paradigm as “the patterning of the thinking of a person; it is a principal example among example, an exemplar or model to follow according to which design actions are taken. The philosophical framework provided the researcher with the basic methods and rules that were proven to be relevant to the studies of other researchers but the primary purpose of the framework is to “make sense of the data, to provide some coherent explanation for why people are doing or saying what they are doing or saying. Flood summarized these affirmations and stated that “a theoretical perspective supports the philosophical stance underpinning a methodology and provides a context for the process involved and a basis for its logic and criteria (Emiliani 2008, 60).

Understanding the basic assumptions and perspectives taken by the researcher is central to evaluating the planned research methodology as well as the subsequent findings and recommendations resulting from the study. Cresswell presented an adaptation of Guba and Lincoln's axiomatic issues that define the basic philosophical assumptions (i.e., ontological, epistemological, axiological, rhetorical, and methodological) found in qualitative research as well as how these assumptions translate into practice. Cresswell observed that these assumptions reflect the direction that researchers would take in ...