Categorization of Lean Research and Development Tools and Techniques: A Process-Based Approach

Several categorizations of lean tools and techniques introduces are very specific requirement and yet there is no way systematically to link the Research and Development (R&D) based organization challenges. In this paper, we focus on the several categorizations of lean tools and techniques employed in manufacturing industry, discuss their weakness and related it with the R&D environment. A mass study done by prior researchers’ shows that most of the lean tools and techniques categorization focused on one side change initiative and not highlights the importance of every process in R&D thus affect the R&D based organization performance. Additionally, there is limited evidence to show that all LRDTT involved in R&D activity were categorized in a correct group function. Thus, this paper proposes a framework for categorizing the LRDTT that is applicable to R&D activity. The proposed framework is developed based on the activity of the R&D. As such, the proposed framework treats R&D activities individually. The framework allows reducing the misuse/misapplication of lean tools and techniques in R&D activities. It also allows observing existing gaps between the lean tools and techniques by considering every process in R&D environment.