Research Award
The Shingo Research Award is for research (in English) making a significant contribution to the extension of understanding and knowledge of the philosophy, principles, or methods of enterprise excellence consistent with the Shingo Model. This can either be conceptual or based on empirical research activity.
Nomination Process
The nomination process for this award is by recommendation through a body of top scholars from around the world who are prominent in the field of Lean, operational excellence and improvement research. Nominations are reviewed by the Shingo Research Advisory Committee, who review each submission against a set of criteria to determine if the research merits recognition by the Shingo Institute.
In 2022, the Shingo Research Award was changed to focus exclusively on academic research.
Research Award Recipients
2026
Becoming a Learning Organization While Enhancing Performance: The Case of LEGO
By Thomas Borup Kristensen, Henrik Saabye, and Amy Edmondson
Press Release
2026
Values and Behaviors of Effective Lean Managers
By Dr. Desirée H. van Dun, Dr. Jeff N. Hicks, and Dr. Celeste P.M. Wilderom
Press Release
2023
Does Lean Improve Labor Standards? Management and Social Performance in the Nike
By Distelhorst, Hainmueller, and Locke
Press Release
2020
What to Expect from a Corporate Lean Program
By Torbjørn Netland and Kasra Ferdows
Press Release
2018
Lean Manufacturing and Firm Performance
By Rosemary Fullerton, Frances Kennedy, and Sally Widener
Press Release
2017
The Routledge Companion to Lean Management
By Torbjørn H. Netland & Daryl J. Powell
Press Release
2015
Value Stream Mapping: How to Visualize Work and Align Leadership
By Karen Martin and Mike Osterling
Press Release