Value and waste dependencies and guidelines

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between value and waste in the context of Lean Product Development (LPD). Although value and waste belong to prominent concepts being explored in the effort of developing LPD, however, understanding value and waste and their relationship in the complex and uncertain product development process (PDP) is a challenging task. This paper explores the relationship between value methods and waste types using a Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM). Moreover, in an effort to improve the Product Development Process (PDP) performance, we present a conceptual improvement guideline for improving PDP. This study uses literature review to develop the DMM of value and waste as well as the improvement guideline. The results of this research can be used in practice to identify waste types, and to select suitable value methods to eliminate corresponding critical waste types in their organization.