Which of the following is related to lean production.
A philosophy of waste elimination.
Lean consumption.
Never running out of inventory.
The wahei-Subaru method.
Full use of capacity.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: A philosophy of waste elimination.
Explanation
Lean production is best described as a philosophy of waste elimination. Originating from the Toyota Production System (TPS), lean production focuses on maximizing customer value while minimizing waste. In this context, “waste” refers to any activity that consumes resources but does not add value from the customer’s perspective.
There are seven traditional types of waste in lean philosophy:
- Overproduction – making more than needed or too early.
- Waiting – delays caused by inefficient processes.
- Transport – unnecessary movement of materials.
- Extra Processing – more work or higher quality than required.
- Inventory – excess products or materials.
- Motion – unnecessary movement by people.
- Defects – errors leading to rework or scrap.
Lean production aims to eliminate or reduce these wastes through continuous improvement (kaizen), standardization, and employee involvement. Techniques such as Just-In-Time (JIT), 5S, value stream mapping, and pull systems are commonly used to implement lean practices.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- Lean consumption: While related, it refers to how customers use products efficiently and is a broader concept involving the consumer side, not production.
- Never running out of inventory: Lean actually aims to reduce inventory levels to avoid waste, not maintain large safety stocks. JIT, a core lean practice, involves receiving goods only as they are needed.
- The wahei-Subaru method: This term does not exist in lean production literature and seems unrelated or fictional.
- Full use of capacity: Lean doesn’t emphasize full capacity utilization if it leads to overproduction or other wastes. It focuses on producing only what is needed.
In summary, lean production is fundamentally centered on the elimination of waste, making “a philosophy of waste elimination” the most accurate answer.
