Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate, report and interpret the true, original meaning of the Toyota Way Respect for People (RFP) principles as intended by their creators. Design/methodology/approach The investigation was conducted by means of a systematic literature review, and findings are reported in an RFP framework and interpreted by proposing a conceptual RFP lean implementation framework. Findings It was found that the literature on the subject is fragmented, though consistent, among various sources. No single framework was found that explained the RFP principles. The difference between and necessity for two value streams were discovered – a traditional product value stream that highlights problems and an additional people value stream that delivers people that can solve these problems. Furthermore, key emerging themes of RFP were found to be teamwork, develop and challenge people, motivation, develop people as problem-solvers, safety, remove waste and display people’s capabilities. Research/limitations implications The conceptual RFP lean implementation framework remains untested. Future research should, therefore, focus on gathering empirical data concerning the applicability and validity of the proposed conceptual RFP lean implementation framework in different contexts. Practical implications The explanation of the two different value streams allows organisations to shift their focus towards developing employees’ career paths, which will subsequently contribute towards improved organisational performance. The conceptual framework can also assist managers in providing the necessary psychological support during the change process of lean implementation. Thus, the proposed implementation framework suggests how to show RFP during lean implementation by assisting organisations to have a more balanced focus between the lean tools and techniques and the human side of lean management. Originality/value A contribution is made to the prevailing lean implementation literature by reporting the true, original meaning of the RFP principles as a single recapitulated framework. Furthermore, a conceptual RFP lean implementation framework is proposed that incorporates these RFP principles, according them the significance they are due. This review offers an understanding of the people aspect of lean implementation and proposes a practical means of addressing this often-neglected factor. The RFP framework and the RFP lean implementation framework could, therefore, possibly assist organisations in achieving more successful lean implementations.

Although it is generally accepted that lean manufacturing improves operational performance, many organisations are struggling to adapt to the lean philosophy. The purpose of this study is to contribute to a more effective strategy for implementing the lean manufacturing improvement philosophy. The study sets out both to integrate wellresearched findings and theories related to generic organisational culture with more recent research and experience related to lean culture, and to examine the role that culture plays in the effective implementation of lean manufacturing principles and techniques. The ultimate aim of this exercise is to develop a theoretical lean culture causal framework.

The increasing demand for water and energy in South Africa, and the capacity constraints and restrictions of both resources, have led to a rapid increase in their cost. The manufacturing industry remains South Africa's third-largest consumer of water and secondlargest consumer of national energy. The improvement of water and energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important theme for both organisational success and national economic sustainability. This paper presents the 'lean based water and energy stream mapping framework' developed for the manufacturing industry, with the specific objective of decreasing its water and energy intensity. As with the traditional value stream mapping tool, the water and energy stream mapping focuses on eliminating water-and energy-specific wastes within a process. Water and energy waste categories that will be used in conjunction with the framework will also be discussed. The key objective of this paper is to detail the process of creating the water and energy stream mapping, and the statistical forecasting methodology used to develop the baseline water and energy demand data. The outcome of the implementation of the framework is the future state water and energy stream mapping, which is effectively a blueprint for increased water and energy efficiency within a studied process. OPSOMMINGDie toenemende vraag, kapasiteit en hulpbron beperkings het gelei tot die styging van water en energie koste in Suid-Afrika. Die SuidAfrikaanse vervaardigingsbedryf bly die derde grootste verbruiker van water en die tweede grootste verbruiker van energie in terme van nasionale verbruik. Die verbetering van water en energie doeltreffendheid word al hoe meer belangrik vir beide organisasie sukses en nasionale ekonomiese volhoubaarheid. Hierdie artikel verteenwoordig die lenige water-en energiestroom karteringraamwerk wat ontwikkel is vir die vervaardigings bedryf met die spesifieke doel om water en energie intensiteit te verlaag. Soos met die tradisionele waardestroomkarteringinstrument, fokus die water-en energiestroom kartering op die uitskakeling van spesifieke vermorsing van water en energie binne 'n proses. Water en energie vermorsing kategorieë wat gebruik gaan word in samewerking met die raamwerk word ook bespreek. Die hoofdoel van hierdie artikel is om besonderhede oor die proses van die skep van die water-en energiestroom kartering te beskryf, sowel as die statistiese vooruitskatting metodologie wat gebruik is om die basislyn water en energie vraag data vas te stel. Die uitkoms van die implementering van die raamwerk is die toekomstige staat water-en energiestroom kartering, wat effektief 'n bloudruk is vir hoër water en energie doeltreffendheid binne 'n bestudeerde proses.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the efficacy of lean learning as experienced and demonstrated by a group of students who were exposed to a purpose built simulated working environment (SWE). The study expands on previous research aimed at establishing the student views of the new type of training by including the perceptions of the industry mentors. Design/methodology/approach An SWE was developed to allow students to experience an assembly line environment and practice lean tools. The students’ perceptions of the learning process and the perceptions of their industry mentors were then measured to gauge the success of the programme. Findings Groups of students indicated that they believed their grasp of the basic lean concepts had been significantly enhanced through exposure to the SWE teaching exercises. The outcome of this initial study was endorsed by the findings of the second study that measured the perceptions of their industry mentors after a six-month experiential learning period. Research limitations/implications The research covered in this paper reflects only the findings of these two groups as they progressed from the SWE-type training to industry-based experiential learning. It is acknowledged that expanded research would be beneficial to not only verify initial findings but also to refine the lean learning experienced in the simulated work environment. Originality/value The paper describes a lean learning process that is more effective than current processes and could therefore be universally utilised to enhance the lean learning experience in higher education.