Womack and Jones (1996) popularized Lean as an approach for creating
customer value. All processes and intermediate steps are identifi ed to improve
cost, timeliness, value, and, delivery of products or services. Thus, Lean posits
a determined focus toward continuous improvement of organizational processes
and procedures to create “perfect value” for customers (lei.org). For the purpose of this study, we defi ne Lean as an organizational strategy for enhancing
operational and organizational performance (Womack & Jones, 1996).