Science and world

Kanban SWOT analysis as an example of a modern management method in a project team – general 
assumptions 
To test whether the Kanban method is helpful in project management, the author will use a SWOT analysis. As 
with any management method, defining the goals you want to achieve is essential for the success. Using Kanban as an 
example, to correctly define strategic goals for the project team management it is necessary to analyze external and 
internal factors affecting project management. For this purpose, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, 
Opportunities, Threats) was carried out
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, which will provide answers to the questions about the strengths and 
weaknesses of Kanban (Table 11). 
 
Table 11 
SWOT analysis – Kanban method – general assumptions for a modern management method 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kanban –
general
assumptions 
Strengths 
1. Minimize the processing time. 
2. Minimize stock levels with simultaneous 
harmonious production and timely execution of 
orders. 
3. Match the production volume to the number 
of orders. 
4. Achieve the effect of self-control at every 
stage of the process to minimize costs of control. 
Weaknesses 
1. The original version of kanban is based on paper 
forms. 
2. Increase in transport costs. 
3. Requires greater availability of suppliers – often 
raw materials have to be delivered several times a day. 
4. The method assumes the production in fixed-size 
batches corresponding to the capacity of the standard 
shipping container for that item. 
Opportunities 
1. Visualization of work. 
2. Measurement and flow management. 
3. Use of models to identify improvement 
opportunities. 
4. Possibility to implement many projects. 
Threats 
1. Lack of an interactive approach. 
2. Limitation of work in progress. 
3. Low resistance to large fluctuations in demand. 
4. It does not take into account the safety stock of 
finished goods, but assumes defect-free production, 
requiring a total commitment from all employees, 
which creates significant problems in non-Japanese 
cultures. 
Source: own study after: M. Krasiński, Możliwość zastosowania metodyki Kanban w zarządzaniu projektami…, op. cit., pp. 24-32. 

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