ABSTRACT
The preliminary stages of understanding the challenges and committing to change are vital first steps that also form the foundation and direction of the whole lean quality strategy. While an intellectual understanding of quality and efficiency provides a basis for lean quality, it is clearly only the planting of the seed. The understanding must be translated into commitment, policies, plans and actions for lean quality to germinate. The education and training component will be continuous and draw together the requirements of all the steps into a cohesive programme of instruction. Lean quality management may be integrated into the strategy of any organization through an understanding of the core business processes and involvement of the people. Self-assessment to the European Excellence Model or Baldrige Quality model and benchmarking will identify further improvement opportunities. The professional and ethical standards that guide the consultant chosen should complement the organization’s values and philosophy.
