Final answer:
Management lacking commitment is an obstacle to Just-In-Time/lean conversion. While resources allocation, worker cooperation, managerial responsibility-sharing, and supplier commitments support the conversion, strong management commitment is necessary to overcome challenges and ensure successful implementation of JIT/lean principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the following options, the one that is an obstacle to Just-In-Time (JIT)/lean conversion is Management lacks commitment. A successful JIT/lean conversion requires a strong commitment from management to drive the change process, align organizational resources, and support the workforce during the transition. Without the active engagement and support of management, the transformation can stagnate, as employees and other stakeholders may not prioritize the necessary actions without leadership directives. Allocating resources to the project worker cooperation managerial responsibility-sharing and supplier long-term commitments are factors that facilitate the JIT/lean conversion process rather than obstructing it.
Each contributes positively to the adaptation phase by ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and relational dynamics are in place to support the lean principles. Problems arise not by active facilitation but through challenges such as resource inflexibility, negative externalities and pressure from competing priorities in organizational and labor contexts, as noted in the historical examples provided. These elements can impede the fluid transformation to a lean system where waste is minimized and efficiency is paramount.