Lean Management Implementation in Pineapple Fiber Processing Community Enterprises for Sustainable Development
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Abstract
This study investigates lean management approaches within a community enterprise that processes pineapples, with the aim of reducing operational costs through structured business management assessments. The following research uses qualitative methodology, incorporating statistical methods in financial management and Lean management principles, along with in-depth interviews of three community enterprises regarding thenon-food products from pineapple waste. The research findings were as follows:
1. The lean management approaches include the design of a business logo by the community enterprise owners, symbolizing the organizational identity and strategic directions. The enterprise reduces environmental pollution and contributes to long-term economic development through the Prachuap Khiri Khan province's green economy development initiative by processing discarded pineapple peels and crowns into non-food goods. This method enhanced and optimized management procedures, diminished dependency on labor, and prioritized work delegation according to instructions from the community enterprise leader. As a result, work processes were accelerated, and operational efficiency then improved.
2. The business management assessment has shown a reduction in operating cost value through the productionprocess modifications. Especially, the enterprise transitioned from chemical-based methods to plant-based biological degradation for extracting those pineapple fibers, leading to reduced pollution and environmental impact. Following the implementation of the lead process management, a cost reduction of 7.67% was achieved. The failure to reach the 10% target was attributed to economic conditions, including the declining sales and persistently high operating costs, particularly in production. The researcher proposed several solutions to address these problems, including intensifying marketing efforts, designing modern products to appeal to more younger consumers, and emphasizing the product's nature-derived from natural materials to increase sales volume and enhance competitiveness.
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