Abstract
The process of implementing lean production (LP) is complex, slow, and subject to several risks. This article aims at identifying and classifying the risks involved in the LP implementation process. The study was undertaken in four stages: (i) a literature review to identify the risks; (ii) the design and application of a questionnaire, answered by 57 respondents, to assess their perceptions on the probability of occurrence and impact of the risks identified from the literature review; (iii) analysis of the results of the questionnaire, which allowed for classification of the risks based on an exploratory factor analysis; and (iv) a case study, to gain an understanding of the relationships among the risks, performed at a company for which three respondents of the survey worked. Fourteen risks were identified and then classified in three groups: (i) risks associated with the role of support areas; (ii) risks associated with the roles of the top management and middle management; and (iii) risks associated with the role of the operational level. Because the risks within each group are strongly interrelated, this classification can contribute to improving the lean implementation strategies by managing the risks.
Keywords:
Lean Production; Risk management; Exploratory factor analysis
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