The Shingo Institute, affiliated with the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, recently spotlighted the impactful research of three academics who took a deep dive into the operational transformation of LEGO. Their study, titled "Becoming a Learning Organization While Enhancing Performance: The Case of LEGO," nabbed the esteemed Shingo Research Award, validating its influence on both academia and the practical business world, as detailed by USU Today.
Thomas Borup Kristensen, Henrik Saabye, and Amy Edmondson, the trio behind this study, investigated how a global toy behemoth applied Lean principles to its non-production operations. Elevating LEGO's approach as a case study, the research illustrates a pivot from a focus on mere process efficiency to one fostering an environment ripe for reflective learning and continuous innovation. These principles, which have traditionally been the bread and butter of manufacturing, have shown their mettle even in the terrain of knowledge-based, non-production environments, proving that lean is not just about cutting costs, it's about building dynamic, resilient organizations. The Shingo Research Award, as indicated in the Utah State University statement, puts a spotlight on research that extends the understanding of organizational excellence in the vein of the Shingo Model, but with a twist, it now focuses solely on academic endeavors.
The award-winning authors are scheduled to be recognized at a gala on March 19, 2026, held in conjunction with the 38th Shingo Connect conference in San Diego, California. This conference, a melting pot for professionals dedicated to continuous improvement across various industries, will feature workshops, tours, and keynotes designed to foster learning and connection among like-minded professionals.
