Sustainabl
e Tourism
Nizam Ud Din,
PhD
Using Lean Thinking
Approaches to
Speed Sustainable
Development
Understanding Lean thinking and using
01 the Lean thinking approaches for
sustainability
02 Lean Tools
Content 03 Discussions
Question?
1. What has the concept of “Lean Thinking”
got to do with sustainable development?
2. Why is the relationship worth exploring?
Lean thinking
Lean thinking is a management philosophy
focused on maximizing value for customers while
minimizing waste in processes
It is the passionate effort to eliminate waste, from
any activity that uses resources without adding
social value.
Lean is a way of thinking about creating needed
value with fewer resources and less waste.
Lean is a practice of continuous experimentation
to achieve perfect value with zero waste
Green Lean
"Green Lean" combines principles of both
environmental sustainability (Green) and
operational efficiency (Lean).
It involves practices that aim to reduce waste,
improve resource utilization, and minimize
environmental impact while enhancing productivity.
Example:
Waste Reduction: Applying Lean principles to
minimize waste generation in a tourism setting. For
instance, a travel agency might optimize its
processes to reduce paper usage by going digital for
documentation, brochures, and itineraries.
Lean and sustainable lean
Waste refers to any activity or use of resources that
does not add value as perceived by the end
customer.
This refers to any activity or use of resources that
neither maintains nor enhances the sustainable
value of the system.
Lean could help reduce unnecessary use
of non-renewable resources
It's a mindset shift towards efficiency,
value creation, and constant
improvement,
key principles of Lean
Value refers to identify what the customer truly values in
a product or service.
Value in Lean is what a customer is happy to
pay for, specifically excluding any activity or
resource the customer considers non-
essential.
Sustainable value is the balanced combination of those
qualities that enhance the sustainability of
any product or process in terms of ecology, economics or
society as a whole.
key principles of Lean
Value Stream refers to map out the steps required to
deliver that value, understanding the entire process
flow.
Sustainable value stream refers to the sequence of
accumulated sustainable values that are added
during the process of sustainable value within a
system.
key principles of Lean
Flow refers to ensure that the value-creating steps are
smooth and continuous, minimizing interruptions or
delays.
Sustainable flow is the tendency of natural systems to
move materials and processes through their structures
in a balanced way, which maintains their required levels,
by preventing a buildup of unnecessary materials while
ensuring that appropriate levels are always available for
the next step in the cycle.
key principles of Lean
Pull refers to create systems where products or services are
pulled by customer demand rather than pushed through the
production process.
It refers that a product or service is produced only when a
customer demands it, which ensures that customers get exactly
what they want when they want it.
Sustainable pull is the tendency of natural systems to move
materials through their structures only as they are required by
the next step in the cycle.
key principles of Lean
Perfection refers to continuously strive for improvement. This
involves empowering employees to identify and solve
problems, aiming for perfection in processes.
Sustainable perfection recognizes that change is a constant
process that keeps the world ever novel, interesting, and
evolving.
Understanding this dynamic helps to figure out how we can
harness the force of evolution when designing artificial
systems that emulate nature.
Integration of Lean and Sustainability:
Integration of Lean and Sustainability:
Incorporating Green Social Responsibility: Life Cycle Assessment:
Identifying Environmental Practices: Expanding lean thinking to Considering the entire life
Waste: Adapting lean tools and encompass fair labor cycle of products or services
Applying lean principles to techniques to incorporate practices, community to minimize environmental
identify and eliminate eco-friendly practices, such engagement, and ethical impacts at every stage, from
environmental waste, as using renewable energy sourcing, considering the raw material extraction to
reducing energy sources, reducing social impact of disposal or recycling.
consumption, emissions, packaging waste, or operations.
and resource usage. implementing recycling
programs.
Lean and sustainable tourism
Lean principles and sustainable tourism share common
ground in their focus on efficiency, waste reduction, and
long-term viability.
Applying lean methodologies to sustainable tourism
involves integrating practices that minimize environmental
impact, support local communities, and enhance visitor
experiences.
How lean and sustainable tourism intersect?
Waste Reduction and Efficiency:
Lean and sustainable tourism
Resource Optimization:
Reducing Overheads:
Lean principles focus on efficient resource
utilization. Lean practices aim to cut unnecessary costs.
In sustainable tourism, this means In sustainable tourism, this might involve
minimizing waste, reducing energy minimizing excessive energy use in
consumption, and using resources accommodations, reducing water waste, or
efficiently to lessen environmental impact. optimizing transportation routes to lower
emissions.
Customer-Centric Experiences:
Lean and sustainable tourism
Community Engagement: Social Responsibility:
Enhanced Guest Experiences: Sustainable tourism often involves Expanding lean thinking to
Lean methodologies aim to provide collaboration with local encompass fair labor practices,
value to customers. In sustainable communities. Lean principles community engagement, and
tourism, this translates to offering encourage continuous ethical sourcing, considering the
authentic, culturally sensitive improvement, which can involve social impact of operations.
experiences that benefit both ongoing dialogue with local
visitors and local communities. stakeholders to ensure tourism
benefits them positively.
Lean Tools:
Lean tool 1—mapping the value stream—is the core tool for
implementing Lean.
Maping each step in the process, ensures the value added or not,
This maping is used to identify areas where the removal of waste can be
improved.
It helps to see more than waste in the value stream, including the sources
of waste.
Mapping sustainable value stream is based on sustainability, which can be
maintained only when the economic, ecological, and social aspects of a
system remain in balance with one another.
Lean Tools
(Lean tool 2—design for manufacture and assembly)
Lean tool 2—design for manufacture and assembly—brings together
representatives of the entire value stream to ensure that the design
process incorporates every value-added step, minus the identified
waste.
Designing overall sustainability requires representatives from all parts
of the sustainable value stream to work together during the design
phase of any project, system, service, or product to ensure that all the
elements of sustainability are included, while all the unnecessary steps
and resources are excluded.
Lean Tools
(Lean tool 3—Total Productive Maintenance)
Lean tool 3—Total Productive Maintenance—uses all relevant
organizational resources in the most effective and efficient
manner to achieve the highest possible performance,
Sustainable maintenance uses people from all relevant
sections of the sustainable value stream working together to
plan and execute a maintenance program that includes the
proper functioning of individuals, teams, and communities,
and thus ensures the most sustainable operation of the entire
system.
Lean Tools
(Lean tool 4—visual workplace)
Lean tool 4—visual workplace—renders critical communication
effective among all relevant parties.
Visual workplace is a lean concept that’s all about putting important
information right where employees need to see it.
Sustainable visibility ensures the effective communication of critical
information among all stakeholders, which translates into the display
of clear, understandable metrics and messages in appropriate
places, where they are easily accessible to those who wish to use
them.
Lean Tools
(Lean tool 5—just-in-time)
Lean tool 5—"Just-in-Time" (JIT) is a lean management
philosophy and a tool that aims to minimize waste by receiving
goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby
reducing inventory and associated costs.
Sustainable just-in-time is to ensure that the material or action
needed is provided at the exact time and place it is required in
and the quantity needed.
How —just-in-time works?
The core principle of JIT is to produce or acquire goods and services exactly when they are needed,
in the required quantity and quality.
How JIT works and its benefits?
Demand-Driven: JIT is demand-driven, meaning materials are ordered and received only when
needed for production or service delivery.
Reduced Inventory: The system aims to reduce inventory holding costs by minimizing stock levels.
This helps in freeing up capital that would otherwise be tied up in inventory.
Continuous Flow: JIT emphasizes a continuous flow of goods or services through the system,
reducing waiting times and bottlenecks.
Quality Focus: With JIT, there's a focus on quality control at every step since any defects or issues
can disrupt the flow of materials and production.
Benefits of —just-in-time:
Cost Reduction: Reduced inventory holding costs, lower storage expenses, and minimized
waste lead to cost savings.
Efficiency: JIT can streamline operations, minimize downtime, and improve overall efficiency
in production or service delivery.
Improved Quality: With a focus on quality at every step, JIT often results in higher-quality
products or services.
Flexibility and Responsiveness: JIT systems are more adaptable to changes in demand or
market conditions, enabling quicker responses to customer needs.
Space Optimization: Since inventory levels are minimized, less storage space is required,
allowing for better utilization of space.
Environmental Protection Agency and Lean
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in various
countries often encourages and supports the integration of
lean principles into industries as a means to improve
environmental performance.
How the EPA and lean methodologies intersect?
Lean and Environmental Protection:
Environmental Protection Agency and Lean
Pollution Prevention:
Reducing Waste: Continuous Improvement:
Resource Efficiency: Lean Lean methodologies
Both lean principles and practices often lead to emphasize identifying Both lean and environmental
environmental protection more efficient use of and eliminating sources protection emphasize
aim to minimize waste. resources, including energy, of waste, which can continuous improvement. This
Lean methodologies focus materials, and water. By include pollutants. This involves regularly assessing
on eliminating any process optimizing processes and aligns with the EPA's processes and practices to find
steps that don't add value, eliminating inefficiencies, goals of pollution opportunities for optimization
thereby reducing resource industries can reduce their prevention and and minimizing negative
consumption and environmental footprint. reduction. environmental impacts.
environmental impact.
EPA's Support for Lean Initiatives:
Environmental Protection Agency and Lean
Technical Assistance:
Guidance and Training: Recognition and Awards:
The EPA might provide technical
The EPA may offer guidance or Acknowledgment and awards assistance, tools, or resources to
training programs that show might be given to organizations help industries identify
industries how to integrate lean that effectively implement lean opportunities for waste reduction
principles with environmental practices leading to significant and environmental improvement
considerations. environmental improvements. through lean practices.
Case Study
The example from the Environmental Protection Agency show
environmental benefits that resulted from the implementation of
Lean thinking and provide a better understanding of how Lean can
directly improve the level of sustainability in an operation:
Case Study
Application of lean principles in the tourism
industry:
Disney Parks:
Disney's Approach to Lean Service: Disney is known for its exceptional
guest experiences. They implement lean principles in their parks to
optimize guest flow, reduce wait times, and enhance overall guest
satisfaction. Their focus on continuous improvement helps in refining
services and operational efficiency.
Application of lean principles in the tourism
industry:
Marriott International:
Marriott's Lean Initiatives: Marriott has utilized lean principles in its hotel
operations. By streamlining check-in/check-out processes, optimizing
housekeeping schedules, and focusing on guest needs, they've enhanced
customer experience while improving operational efficiency.
Application of lean principles in the tourism
industry:
Tourism Destinations:
Lean Destination Management: Some tourism destinations have adopted
lean principles to manage visitor flows and optimize tourist experiences.
This involves strategies like improving transportation efficiency, managing
tourist information centers effectively, and reducing congestion in popular
attractions.
Application of lean principles in the tourism
industry:
Tourism Destinations:
Lean Destination Management: Some tourism destinations have adopted
lean principles to manage visitor flows and optimize tourist experiences.
This involves strategies like improving transportation efficiency, managing
tourist information centers effectively, and reducing congestion in popular
attractions.
Application of lean in manufacturing versus
service industries?
How does lean thinking differ when applied in
manufacturing versus service industries? What are the
common challenges and benefits across these sectors?
Manufacturing Industry
Characteristics:
Tangible Output: Manufacturing deals with tangible products, such as
cars or electronics, involving physical processes like assembly lines.
Standardization: Processes can often be standardized, allowing for
consistent output.
Visible Waste: Waste, such as excess inventory or defects, is often
more visible and quantifiable.
Manufacturing Industry
Application of Lean:
Toyota Production System (TPS): The prime example of lean in
manufacturing, emphasizing just-in-time production, continuous
improvement, and waste reduction.
Example: Implementing lean in an automotive plant involves
optimizing assembly line processes to minimize inventory, reduce setup
times, and eliminate defects.
Manufacturing Industry
Benefits:
Efficiency Gains: Lean practices often lead to increased productivity,
reduced lead times, and cost savings through waste reduction.
Quality Improvement: Focus on defect reduction leads to higher-quality
products.
Employee Engagement: Encouraging employee involvement in process
improvement fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Manufacturing Industry
Common Challenges:
Resistance to Change: Overhauling established manufacturing
processes can face resistance from employees accustomed to existing
workflows.
Complex Supply Chains: Coordinating lean principles across complex
supply chains can be challenging.
Service Industry
Characteristics:
Intangible Output: Services involve intangible outputs, like healthcare,
hospitality, or banking, focusing on customer experiences.
Varied Processes: Service processes are often varied and less
standardized, making them more challenging to optimize.
Invisible Waste: Waste in service industries, such as excessive waiting
times or inefficient processes, might be less visible initially.
Service Industry
Application of Lean:
Healthcare: Hospitals adopting lean principles to reduce patient wait
times, improve scheduling, and enhance overall patient experiences.
Hospitality: Hotels implementing lean to streamline check-in/out
processes, optimize room turnovers, and enhance guest satisfaction.
Service Industry
Benefits:
Improved Customer Experience: Lean practices can lead to quicker
service delivery, reduced wait times, and more personalized
experiences.
Cost Reduction: Eliminating waste and optimizing processes can lead to
cost savings.
Employee Satisfaction: Involving employees in improvement initiatives
can enhance job satisfaction and motivation.
Service Industry
Common Challenges:
Complexity in Processes: Service processes are often complex and
dynamic, making it harder to identify and eliminate waste.
Customer Variability: Meeting diverse customer needs and
expectations adds complexity to implementing standardized processes.
Common Benefits Across Both
Sectors:
Waste Reduction: Lean principles aim to eliminate waste, regardless of
the sector, leading to efficiency gains.
Continuous Improvement: Both sectors benefit from fostering a
culture of continuous improvement, encouraging ongoing
enhancements in processes and practices.
Customer Value: Lean aims to deliver value to customers. Whether
through tangible products or intangible services, providing value is a
common goal.
Discussion
1. Lean thinking emphasizes delivering value to customers. How can businesses
ensure that lean practices align with evolving customer needs and
expectations?
2. What are the common obstacles companies face when implementing lean
principles, and how can these challenges be overcome?
3. Lean practices aim for efficiency without sacrificing quality. Can this balance be
challenging to maintain, and how can organizations ensure high-quality outputs
while optimizing processes?
Thank
You
