Abstract
This study focuses on the effective application and execution of research methods in lean manufacturing production environments. The study is an attempt to measure the progress toward the development of a culture of continuous improvement. Included in the study is a review of the use of questionnaire, interview, sociogram, and observation research methods in measuring and monitoring the development of a culture of continuous improvement. Although not the primary focus of the study, I constructed the relational theory of continuous improvement and the Seven Wastes of Lean Research to aid in the review of the execution of the chosen research methods. The relational theory of continuous improvement theorizes that if assemblers are not aware of the development and use of higher-level communication methods and the development of higher-level working relationships, then problem-solving activities and continuous process improvement programs will remain at or near the levels experienced prior to the implementation of lean manufacturing methods. The Seven Wastes of Lean Research criteria were developed and incorporated into the architecture of the study as a systematized approach to the analysis of the study’s research processes and procedures for the identification of nonvalue-added activities. The intent of identifying nonvalue-added activities and waste was to develop solutions for design and efficiency improvements and to incorporate the identified improvements into the design of the next generation of this research.