Abstract
Lean manufacturing has proven its beneficial impact on operational and economic performance in various instances in developed countries. Lean manufacturing is a management approach that focuses on the elimination of production waste within manufacturing systems and ensuring quality and improving productivity while green manufacturing attempts to address environmental related issues while using cutting-edge manufacturing methods which aims reducing wastes, supporting recycling, efficient resource utilisation with overall aim reducing negative effects on environment. In this scenario, earlier reported works suggest that lean manufacturing (LM) and green manufacturing (GM) can make positive influence towards environmental performance and leading to sustainable practices. However, there are very less reported in the current available literature regarding the interrelationship between LM and GM approaches linking to manufacturing companies in Nigeria. There is a rising awareness worldwide about sustainability. Due to the significance that LM and GM holds, it is crucial to comprehend how these two approaches can be combined with environmentally friendly practices to promote sustainability.The aim of this PhD work, therefore attempts to synergies lean and green manufacturing practices by exploring the lean and green journey of companies in Nigeria, using methods including survey questionnaires and value stream mapping along with other lean tools. Subsequently, a Lean-Green Sustainability model is created based on the research findings to identify LM and GM relationships to assist industries looking to incorporate these approaches into their operations in order to achieve more sustainable manufacturing practices.
This research utilised a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to accomplish the research aims and objectives. The surveys were structured to assess the understanding and implementation of lean and green strategies in various manufacturing industries, from both the shop floor workers and top-level management viewpoints. Additionally, the questionnaire gauged their perceptions regarding the application of these methods. In-depth interviews were carried out to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the significance and challenges encountered by management during the implementation process.
The findings from the data analysis suggest that the majority of the manufacturing companies are familiar with and engage a higher number of green manufacturing practices compared to lean techniques. Moreover, there was a greater level of awareness regarding green practices than lean practices, among top-level management and shop floor workers across various
companies. This suggests that green practices have the potential to yield similar benefits and pull lean practices due to their strong correlation and lead to sustainable gains when integrated.
Furthermore, the research exposed internal obstacles within the organisation through value stream mapping that impact the adoption of efficient and sustainable practices. These barriers include a lack of commitment from top management, insufficient training and engagement of frontline staff, as well as limited cooperation with supply chain associates to implement cutting-edge technologies for reducing delays. In light of these findings, recommendations were put forward.
Finally, the results of this research make a significant and unique contribution to the academic and industrial understanding of incorporating lean and green practices in the Nigerian manufacturing sector.
Keywords: Lean Manufacturing; Green Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping; Sustainability; Top-level Management; Government Policy, Resource Efficiency
| Date of Award | 30 Jun 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Hom Dhakal (Supervisor), Michel Leseure (Supervisor) & Jovana Radulovic (Supervisor) |