A literature review and Research Agenda of Value Stream Mapping addressing Study Population and Sample Design

The Purpose of this literature review is to provide a taxonomy of value stream mapping research and, based on that, to develop a research agenda for this field of study in relation to study population and research design. The proposed value stream mapping research classification framework is based on a comprehensive literature review, which concentrates on peer-reviewed journal papers published within the period 2002-2020. A total of 83 academic sources have been retrieved and analyzed interms of research purpose and nature, methodology employed, theoretical approach and level of analysis. The review reveals that value stream mapping research is empirical-descriptive in nature and that it generally lacks a sampling design foundation and a tin study population. It identifies certain knowledge gaps and develops sixe propositions for future research. It suggests that focus should be directed towards more conceptual model, mathematical model, interviews, empirical triangulation (mixed methods) and simulation based studies. It also argues that further empirical research in relation to value stream mapping in relation to study population and sample design needed. This paper fulfils an identified need for a comprehensive classification framework of value stream mapping studies. It essentially provides both academics and practitioners with a conceptual map of existing value stream mapping research and also points out opportunities for future research.