Knowledge Centre
Links
See links to various online resources to learn more about Lean Thinking and Practice both locally and globally.
We are constantly learning so please let us know if you find any other sites you think should be added.
Research
Most research conducted by the Lean Institute Africa is done in association with MBA students of the UCT Graduate School of Business. To access free copies of MBA research reports, please contact GSB. Here is a recent list of Lean-related Research Reports.
Books
The Lean Institute Africa is the local, authorised distributor of the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) in the USA and as such, distributes books, DVDs and training materials on their behalf.
Newsletters, Articles and Webinars
A tale of successful lean transformations worldwide
Leading lean transformations in different countries is often considered a challenge. The author claims it’s not as difficult as normally assumed, so long as you stick to the lean fundamentals....
The Double-Loop PDCA
How “Double-Loop PDCA” was discovered due to a problem with implementing a lean daily management system in a South African hospital. https://planet-lean.com/double-loop-pdca/
Future Work and the Evolution of Lean
On the Cusp of the next Industrial Revolution Last year a student approached me to take part in her research entitled ‘The adaption of lean implementation techniques for an industry 4.0 revolution’. I admit my immediate reaction was: ‘This...
This bakery found out how inspiring lean books can be
How reading lean books empowered people and transformed the managerial culture at an industrial bakery in the Western Cape Winelands in South Africa. Read the full story on Planet Lean.
Helping Africa reach its full potential using lean thinking
In the first of a series of interviews with Lean Global Network directors, Rose Heathcote – the new CEO of Lean Institute Africa – shares her thoughts on the future of Africa and on women in business.Read the full interview with Rose Heathcote...
Lean Management Relieves State Healthcare Headaches
A ground-breaking project in which lean management is being applied in South African state hospitals is delivering impressive results in various departments – including reducing patient waiting times by up to 86%, an 80% reduction in neo-natal...
Rose Heathcote: Setting Managers up to Succeed in Healthcare
Newly appointed CEO of the Lean Institute Africa (LIA), Rose Heathcote talks about the significance of applying ‘Lean Thinking’ to improve outcomes aligned with the purpose and strategy of healthcare organisations. Read the full article here.
Natural Born Problem-Solvers or Are We?
Could it be that we are Natural Born Problem-Solvers? Asks Tshepo Thobejane in the June Newsletter. 'We could debate that not all of us have the same ability to problem-solve or we may disagree on the problems that deserve our attention. Empowering employees to become...
Piece of Mind
Would you do me a favour? Would you pause for a moment and consider this question?: What preoccupies you; what thoughts, concerns, hopes and fears drift about and ‘occupy’ your mind? Read more of our April 2018 newsletter
Day Zero and the Waste of Water
Cape Town, the city where the Lean Institute Africa is based, faces the very real probability that it will run out of water due to an unprecedented drought. “Day Zero”, the day when the taps will be turned off - because there will not be enough water supply in the...
Head Office
+27 21 406 1477
Graduate School of Business
UCT Breakwater Lodge
V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
Our Global Network

News
Buy-in, Do-in, Stay-in
In our work with organisations and people embarking on the Lean Transformation Journey we often hear people say that “buy-in” by top management is an essential success factor. Indeed, research confirms that top management commitment is a critical success factor for...
Kaizen in Africa – A trip to Tunisia
“It is impossible to overestimate the importance of 5S,” he said. “Really?” I asked myself. The CEO of a major Japanese process improvement consultancy told me this in 1992, in Nagoya. What do you think? Is it that significant in driving improvement and the ‘Kaizen...
Leratong Hospital: Reflecting on our lean healthcare journey
The CEO of a hospital in Johannesburg looks back to the last five years to reflect on a lean healthcare transformation that is creating positive outcomes for patients. The South African healthcare industry must look after 53.7 million people, 84% of them in the public...
African Kaizen Awards
Our Chairman, UCT Graduate School of Business Emeritus Professor, Norman Faull, will be one of the judges of the African Kaizen Awards (AKA) Examination Committee. The Awards are part of the African Kaizen Conference 2019, organised by JICA and NEPAD, taking place in...
A crazy little thing called change
COLUMN – In her first column, the author reflects on the role of leadership in striking a balance between the enthusiasm for change and the need to involve everyone in a transformation. Words: Rose Heathcote, CEO, Lean Institute Africa I had a terrific time this past...
2021 © All Rights Reserved | Designed by App Inlet | Terms and Conditions |