Early management of human factors in lean industrial systems

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd There is an obvious need to redefine approach to provide and develop human resources necessary for modern industrial systems and to find new models that will meet the demands of Lean philosophy and concepts of safety and ergonomics. The authors are suggesting Early Human Resources Management (EHRM) model, inspired by developed pillar structures of Lean based World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) industrial systems and based on proactive approach referring to human resources. The EHRM model is designed through the integration of Early Management and Human Resources development concepts and uses the Vertical start-up (VSU) principle for a drastic reduction of time needed for reaching the full potential and achieving the desired level of knowledge and competencies of human resources in Lean industrial systems. Practical applications: EHRM contributes to reducing the gap between expected and real performances of human resources at an early stage of their professional careers and enables the effective and efficient transition from academic to industrial environment. At the same time, cooperation, communication and knowledge transfer between industry and universities are upgraded, development of educational curricula is facilitated and build around the applicative knowledge skills, and methods.