Although Lean management has been implemented by Vietnamese small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs) for more than ten years, the success rate as well as the sustainable effectiveness
achieved by these firms remains limited. As revealed by the survey, the current model of
implementation mainly focuses on Lean management tools such as 5S, Kaizen (continuous
improvement) and Mieruka (visual management). A better implementation model is proposed with the
focus laid on the central factor of "Tam the”- a Vietnamese word refers to the deep understanding of
employees and managers about the benefits of their tasks and Lean management for themselves. A
simulation model run by Crystal Ball software confirms the higher effectiveness of the proposed
model, which provides scientific evidence to persuade practitioners to swiftly employ the new model
of implementation.
(Received in August 2014, accepted in October 2014. This paper was with the author 1 month for 1 revision.)