Decoding the Lean Enterprise.

Several factors, such as the rapid adoption of new and disruptive technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, worldwide expansion of globalization, rising inflation, climate change, demographic shifts, geopolitical instability, and military conflicts, have deeply influenced the economic and business landscape at a global level. The appearance and development of lean philosophy, principles, and practices have proved to represent a turning point in the evolution of the business world and a possible solution for enterprises to cope with these challenges. The paper aims to define and briefly characterize the concept of lean enterprise. To attain the goals of the paper, the authors used a qualitative research method based on a desk research investigation. The paper contributes to a better understanding of the concept of lean, in general, and lean enterprise, in particular. Also, it briefly analyses some of the key characteristics of lean enterprises that lead to their business success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]