Academics launch new book on Lean Supply Chain and the growth of Tesco

Cardiff Business School academics publish new book looking at how Tesco, historically and contemporarily, manages the challenge of its lean supply chain.

Logistics and Operations Management faculty member Dr Robert Mason and former Senior Research Associate Barry Evans examine the supermarket giant’s origins and reflect on how it has developed one of the most effective supply chains in the world.

The Lean Supply Chain: Managing the Challenge at Tesco, published by Kogan Page, explores how Tesco employed lean thinking, loyalty and simplicity to grow under a determined supply chain logistics strategy and achieve its dominant UK and global position. It also looks at the company’s continuous improvement and current developments to maintain its competitiveness.

The book is informed by the authors’ expert knowledge and includes real-life examples of the success of Tesco strategies. It includes an assessment of how Tesco is dealing with contemporary challenges and market changes to maintain their position as the UK's largest retailer.

Steve Spall, former Supply Chain and Distribution Development Director at Tesco UK, said when reviewing the book: “Robert and Barry provide a well-researched and fascinating insight into the Lean philosophy that underpinned the strategies of Tesco in the era of Leahy and Clarke. Their work brings alive how the rigorous pursuit of Lean principles enabled the transition of an ordinary UK supermarket chain into a customer-centric contrarian global winner.”

Further information about the book can be found in the Kogan Page website.