A lean supply chain transformation requires the commitment and active involvement of top management. This commitment ensures that necessary resources are allocated and that there is a strategic alignment with the organization's goals. Top management sets the vision and provides leadership, which is critical for overcoming resistance to change and for fostering a culture that embraces continuous improvement. While external resources (A), social responsibility (C), and positive ROI (D) are beneficial, they are not as fundamental as top management's commitment to the successful implementation and sustainability of lean practices.
References:
* Liker, J. K. (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer. McGraw-Hill.
* Womack, J. P., Jones, D. T., & Roos, D. (2007). The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Production. Free Press.