Lean production philosophy and sustainability approach: the fourth industrial phase

Lean production philosophy, sustainability approach, and the fourth industrial phase are significant concerns for organizations and in an overall manner for the public. The study examined the relationship between lean production philosophy and sustainability approach in the context of the fourth industrial phase in the selected manufacturing firms. To address this, the study proposed an underlying regression model, with four hypotheses, to gauge and quantitatively estimate the relationship between lean production philosophy and sustainability approach in the context of the fourth industrial phase. Therefore, to mathematically affirm the model and hypotheses, the study gathered 528 valid surveys from selected manufacturing firms in Lagos State utilizing purposive sampling model. The study outcome shows that: (i) lean production philosophy is connected and associated with sustainability approach, and (ii) The fourth industrial phase has a moderating role that determines its functionality. This outcome is a significant decision framework that helps manufacturing organizations optimize their frameworks in line with the dynamics of the fourth industrial phase and sustainability.