A Web-Based Lean Simulation Game for Office Operations: Training the Other Side of a Lean Enterprise

Abstract

This research proposes a Web-based version of a lean office simulation game (WeBLOG). The game is designed to be used to train lean concepts to office and administrative personnel. This group belongs to the frequently forgotten side of a lean enterprise. Over four phases, the game presents the following seven lean tools: one-piece flow, error-proofing, elimination of overprocessing, balanced workload, multifunctional workforce, pull, and total quality. The concept of continuous improvement is also covered. Participants can play the game from remote and separate locations by logging into a specified Internet site. Additionally, the game can be played with a combination of real and virtual (simulated) players. Several performance metrics are automatically calculated and displayed at the conclusion of each phase. The results of the current phase can then be compared to the results from all previous phases to better illustrate the impact of newly introduced lean tools.

Keywords

balanced workload elimination of overprocessing error-proofing lean enterprise lean office lean simulation games lean training multifunctional workforce office and administrative personnel one-piece flow performance metrics pull total quality Web-based games

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Aster Training. (n.d). Lean business simulation game. Retrieved July 31, 2008, from http://www.aster-training.co.uk/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,flypage_others/product_id,64/category_id,17/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,161/

Cunningham, J.E. , & Fiume, O.J. ( 2003). Real numbers: Management accounting in a lean organization . Durham, NC: Managing Times Press .

Friblick, F. , Akesson, A. , & Leigard, A. ( 2007, July). Learning lean through lean games: A case from the infrastructure industry. In C. L. Pasquire & P. Tzortzopoulos (Eds.), Proceedings of the 15th annual conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC-15 (pp. 475-484). East Lansing, MI: International Group for Lean Construction.

Jones, D.T. , & Womack, J.P. ( 2002). Seeing the whole: Mapping the extended value stream. Brookline, MA: Lean Enterprise Institute.

Leemkuil, H. , de Jong, T. , de Hoog, R. , & Christoph, N. ( 2003). KM QUEST: A collaborative Internet-based simulation game . Simulation & Games, 34, 89-111.

Li, M. , & Simchi-Levi, D.S. (2002). The Web-based Beer game: Demonstrating the value of integrated supply chain management. BeerGame Guide, MIT Forum for Supply Chain Innovation, from http://beergame.mit.edu/guide.htm

Liker, J.K. , (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 management principles from the world’s greatest manufacturer. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Maskell, B.H. , & Baggaley, B.L. (2004). Practical lean accounting . New York: Productivity Press.

Mirehei, S.M. , Kuriger, G. , Wan, H. , & Chen, F.F. ( 2009). Enhancing lean training for the office environment through simulation and gaming. Manuscript submitted for publication.

10.

Morgan, J.M. , & Liker, J. ( 2006). The Toyota product development system. New York: Productivity Press.

11.

The NESTADT Consulting. (n.d.). Mainland simulation game. Retrieved July 31, 2008, from http://www.nestadt.com.au/pages/default.cfm?page_id=22508

12.

Ohno, T. ( 1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond large-scale production . New York: Productivity Press.

13.

Pillutla, S. ( 2003). Creating a Web-based simulation gaming exercise using PERL and JavaScript. Simulation & Games, 34, 112-130.

14.

Shannon, P.W. & Fry, P.C. ( 2003). Improving throughput, reducing lead time, and managing constraints: a computer simulation-based exercise. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 1(2), 313-316.

15.

Solomon, J.M. , & Fullerton, R. ( 2007). Accounting for world class operations: A practical guide for providing relevant information in support of the lean enterprise. Fort Wayne, IN: WCM Associates.

16.

Tapping, D. , & Shuker, T. ( 2003). Value stream management for the lean office. New York: Productivity Press.

17.

Verma, A.K. ( 2003). Simulation tools and training programs in lean manufacturing: Current status (A Technical Report submitted to NSRP-ASE Program). National Shipbuilding Research Program.

18.

Visionary Products. (n.d.). Lean zone office . Retrieved July 31, 2008, from http://www.visionaryproducts.biz/index.cfm?action=page&contentid=128

19.

Wan, H. , Chen, F.F. , & Saygin, C. ( 2008). Simulation and training for lean implementation using web-based technology. International Journal of Services Operations and Informatics, 3, 1-14.

20.

Ward, A.C. ( 2007). Lean product and process development. Cambridge, MA: Lean Enterprise Institute.

21.

Womack, J.P. , & Jones, D.T. ( 1996). Lean thinking. New York: Simon & Schuster.

22.

Womack, J.P. , & Jones, D.T. ( 2005). Lean solutions. New York: Free Press.

23.

Womack, J.P. , Jones, D.T. , & Roos, D. ( 1991). The machine that changed the world: The story of lean production. New York: Harper Perennial .