Lean Management in SME Entrepreneurship: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Pathway Innovations

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmsd.202512417

Author(s)

Wenchao Mou*

Affiliation(s)

School of Business, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS), Beijing, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

As a management paradigm centered on value creation and continuous optimization, lean management offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) an efficient pathway during the entrepreneurial stage. Building on the characteristic constraints of early-stage SMEs—limited resources, capability gaps, and environmental uncertainty—this article systematically analyzes the mechanisms through which lean management operates, probes the resource, capability, cultural, and collaboration challenges encountered in practice, and proposes pathway-innovation strategies. The study finds that lean management, through value-stream optimization, rapid trial-and-error, talent-centric practices, and process collaboration, helps SMEs build entrepreneurial models characterized by dynamic adaptation and resource efficiency. This research extends the theoretical boundary of lean management within the field of entrepreneurial management and provides actionable guidance for SME entrepreneurship in China.

Keywords

Lean Management; Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises; Entrepreneurial Management; Pathway Innovation

References

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