Robert Trent

September 10, 2008
Nine Myths of Lean 

Robert J. Trent, Ph.D.
Supply Chain Management Program Director
Lehigh University
Faculty Profile | Curriculum Vitae

This session presents an expanded view of lean to include the end-to-end supply chain. It also presents nine myths often associated with lean along with their corresponding reality.

Robert Trent (Bob) is the supply chain management program director, associate director of the Manufacturing Systems Engineering program, and George N. Beckwith professor of management at Lehigh University, where he teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He holds a B.S. degree in materials logistics management from Michigan State University, an M.B.A. degree from Wayne State University, and a Ph.D. in purchasing/operations management from Michigan State University.

Prior to his return to academia, Bob worked for Chrysler Corporation. His industrial experience includes assignments in production scheduling, package engineering with responsibility for new part packaging set-up and the purchase of nonproductive materials, distribution planning, and operations management at the Boston regional parts distribution center. He has also worked on numerous special projects.

He has authored or co-authored articles appearing in the International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management, the Journal of Supply Chain Management, the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Total Quality Management, Supply Chain Management Review, Inside Supply Management, The Purchasing Handbook, Academy of Management Executive, Business Horizons, Team Performance Management, Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, and Sloan Management Review. His coauthored study on cross-functional sourcing team effectiveness was published through the Center for Advanced Purchasing Studies (CAPS) in 1993. A research report on purchasing/sourcing trends was published through CAPS in 1995. He completed a third CAPS project in1999 that investigated how organizations reduce the effort and transactions required to purchase low value goods and services. A fourth CAPS project on global sourcing was published in 2006. He is also the coauthor of a textbook titled Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, now in its third edition. His book, Strategic Supply Management—Creating the Next Source of Competitive Advantage, was published in 2007. Another book, End-to-End Lean Management—A Guide to Complete Supply Chain Improvement, will be published in 2008. He is currently working on a book titled Supply Chain Risk and Global Supply Management: Best Practices, Concepts, and Strategies.

Bob is a recipient of a National Association of Purchasing Management (now ISM) research grant for the study of cross-functional sourcing team effectiveness. He has also been awarded the Class of 1961 Professorship, the Eugene Mercy Professorship, and the George N. Beckwith Professorship at Lehigh University. Bob is also active with the ISM, serving for many years as the Professional Development Director of the NAPM of the Lehigh Valley and, at the national level, as a member of the ISM Educational Resources Committee. He and his family reside in Lopatcong, New Jersey. He can be reached at rjt2@lehigh.edu.

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