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Is Lean Production Sustainable? The Rise and Decline of Neo-Fordism

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Development Models, Globalization and Economies

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Abstract

Significant changes are underfoot that are transforming the mass production system (MPS) that has dominated many economies for most of the twentieth century. Womack et al. (1990) had noted the shift from mass production towards a lean production system (LPS) in recent decades. However, I suggest that these changes do not extend far enough, and will need to incorporate greater concern for sustainability in the twenty-first century. These further changes will lead in the direction of what may be called a ‘sustainable production system’ (SPS).

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  1. Hock-Beng Cheah
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Cheah, HB. (2006). Is Lean Production Sustainable? The Rise and Decline of Neo-Fordism. In: Kidd, J.B., Richter, FJ. (eds) Development Models, Globalization and Economies. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230523555_9

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