EVALUATING THE MULTIFACETED ADVANTAGES OF LEAN PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN SMES: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

This study explores and evaluate multifaceted benefits of lean project management (LPM) in small and medium enterprises from various industry. The 11 corresponding participants were interviewed utilizing semi-structure forms; their responses were interpreted at the mezzo level with MAXQDA 2020 software. The findings revealed that cost reductions are achieved in the use of LPM due to the elimination of features that adhere to the processes and time-to developments. By reducing costs significantly, on account of detailed budget and forecasting, morale is stimulated and surged in the team, which operates on optimal operational efficiency. Lean principles help SMEs deal with unexpectedly challenging times by designing efficient processes, streamlining communication, and aligning their strategic visions to ensure sustainable growth and innovation. Furthermore, effective communication and stakeholder relationship-building contribute to the project's success. It also reveals that gender has some major differences of opinion, wherein females were more cost-saving and resource allocation-oriented while males were cost-benefit ratio-oriented. The study's limitations are a small sample size and the qualitative nature of the data, but key findings still emphasize cost efficiency and financial optimization drivers in SMEs' successful performance through tailored project management.