Integrating Value Stream Mapping and PDCA to Improve the Operations of a Pharmaceutical Organisation in Pakistan

Qassim, O., Garza-Reyes, J. A., Lim, M. K. and Kumar, V. (2015) Integrating Value Stream Mapping and PDCA to Improve the Operations of a Pharmaceutical Organisation in Pakistan. The 23rd International Conference on Production Research, Manila, Philippines, 2-5 August 2015.

Abstract

This paper presents the application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in a Pakistani pharmaceutical company. A strategically important product for the organisation studied was selected and a VSM study conducted in a systematic way by following the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) improvement cycle. The results of the study indicate that VSM can help the organisation studied to improve its operations while the PDCA cycle will ensure that a continuous improvement philosophy is embedded within the organisation‟s culture. Hence, this paper shows that the combination of VSM and PDCA can effectively help the company studied to compete and meet the strict health & safety regulations traditionally set for the pharmaceutical industry. This paper can be used as a guiding reference of managers and engineers when conducting similar operations improvement projects.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lim, Professor Ming
• Authors: Qassim, O., Garza-Reyes, J. A., Lim, M. K., and Kumar, V.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management