PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the characteristics and the performance of the Catalan pork supply chain, with the objective to assess whether this operates according to the parameters of a lean chain. Moreover there is a tentative lean supply chain model contribution.Design/methodology/approachTo test lean approaches in the Catalan pork supply chain we have used case research methodology. The research strategy started with a conceptual model proposal as a tool to carry out the assessment. The research went on a multiple case studies in a large‐scale sample of the population and developed a semi‐structured interview as a basic instrument to apply it.FindingsThe article shows the pork sector has actively adopted the productive techniques associated with lean management. The structure of the specific chain in the Catalan pork sector is suitable to implement lean supply chain strategies according to the presented model.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper should be of value to researchers in this area as it contributes in a tentative generic lean model for the pork sector. Further research to affirm the cultural support for lean collaboration is recommended as a precursor to the application of the five lean principles.Practical implicationsIt provides empirical evidence from a significant pork producing region indicating that the model proposed has applicability. These findings support industry wide business associations' efforts to initiate actions which will reinforce these techniques and improve the competitiveness of the sector.Originality/valueA review of this literature ascertained that there were no existing published works centred on the study of the pork supply chain development in Spain and particularly nothing focussed on the applicability of the “lean” discipline in this area. This gap in research along with the importance of the pork sector at national and regional levels demonstrates the necessity and importance of the study.

PurposeMuch has already been written about the effects of ISO 9000 standards on business performance, mostly supporting the notion that implementing a standardized quality management system is beneficial. That said, no studies have been made into the impact that the implementation of these regulations has had on improvements, if any, to supply chain management (SCM). This paper aims to give an initial outline on this subject.Design/methodology/approachUsing the five strategies proposed by Chandra and Kumar in 2000 that aimed at stimulating the implementation of correct SCM, along with an empirical study carried out in nearly 400 companies certified to ISO 9000 standard, how this quality assurance standard contributes to successful SCM implementation is analysed.FindingsFrom the obtained results, it is interesting to point out that not only those indicators which show clear improvements in the SCM have been found but also those aspects in which the companies themselves recognize their limitations.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to analyse the effects of the implementation of a Quality Management Standard such as the ISO 9000, through SCM.

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Lecturer in Mondragon University. His main research field is focused in the manufacturing systems design and improvement.

PurposeThe value stream mapping (VSM) is a tool created by the lean production movement for redesigning the productive systems. Since, it was theoretically developed, some cases have been published where the mentioned tool has been used; however, there is a need to see how it is put into practice, that is to analyze the level in which theory is able to adapt to real practice, the strengths, weaknesses and the key aspects to be taken into account by the applicant teams to obtain the highest performance of the VSM. This paper aims to discuss all of these aspects.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used is a case study of a company in which the process of application of the VSM has been thoroughly analyzed. A team created to improve the productive system of a manufacture for plastic casings for mobile phones has carried out this application.FindingsThe research shows that the VSM is a valuable tool for redesigning the productive systems according to the lean system. Nevertheless, there are some key points for the establishing teams that have to take into account, as follows: the time and training resources spent, the use of suitable information systems and a suitable management of the application phases.Research limitations/implicationsThe conclusions of this research can be reinforced by the monitoring of the application process in more company cases.Practical implicationsThe conclusions of this research are useful for future practitioners, so that they may bear in mind the different aspects of planning projects for redesigning productive systems by using VSM. On the other hand, these conclusions can also be useful for the academic field in order to enhance the theory of VSM.Originality/valueThe paper is a contribution based on practical references according to a thoroughly monitoring of a successful case in establishing VSM.