ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses many of the hidden costs that are not included in the expenditures and generally not reported when implementing Lean and other improvement initiatives. One way to help reduce the additional cost and pitfalls associated with Lean implementation is to use a project management approach. An organization aligned to support work with a project management design should make it easier for staff to adopt a flexible mind-set and be able to embrace change. Implementation of Lean depending on the project and the way it is handled by management and the workers can create some level of uncertainty for some of the existing staff. When implementing Lean, a comprehensive risk assessment can be essential in discovering and evaluating the potential risk that may hinder the project or process success. Implementing a Lean procurement practice and process has the potential to dramatically change the way the business is conducted in a variety of companies.
