What is a primary objective of lean management?

The primary objective of lean management is to enhance customer value while minimizing waste. This approach is centered around the idea that organizations can create more value for their customers by focusing on what the customer needs and eliminating any processes or activities that do not add value. By reducing waste—whether it's time, materials, or labor—companies can streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately provide better products or services to their customers.

Lean management emphasizes continuous improvement and the engagement of all employees in identifying areas for improvement. This leads to operational excellence, higher quality output, and improved customer satisfaction, all while keeping costs in check. The goal is not just to reduce costs but to create a more efficient and responsive organization that aligns closely with customer demands. This holistic view differentiates lean management from cost-reduction strategies that may not directly consider the value delivered to customers.

The other choices focus on objectives that are either contrary to the principles of lean management or do not capture its essence. Thus, the choice that highlights enhancing customer value while minimizing waste accurately represents the core aim of lean management practices.