Impact of improvement tools on standardization and stability goal practices : An empirical examination of US automotive firms
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 12 March 2020
Issue publication date: 13 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
This paper empirically examines the implementation pattern of different types of lean management (LM) techniques on the shop-floor. Based on the socio-technical systems framework, LM techniques are classified as social improvement tools and technical process standardization and stability practices. This categorization facilitates investigating their implementation relationship in a complex production system.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the survey data from managers of the three major US auto-manufacturers and their suppliers (n = 137), measurement scales are developed using confirmatory factor analysis for the LM process improvement, stability, and standardization constructs. Hypotheses are tested by applying the Sobel test technique for mediating regression.
Findings
Statistical results confirm the mediation role of LM improvement tools between standardization and stability goal practices, indicating that technical process-oriented practices are not directly related and that their association is impacted by the corresponding implementation of social tools on the shop-floor.
Practical implications
The results indicate that LM practices should not be randomly implemented on the shop-floor but rather adopted and executed based on a systematic pattern. In LM systems, the implementation of process stability, standardization, and improvement practices on the shop-floor are more tightly integrated than traditionally assumed.
Originality/value
This study establishes a new categorization of specific LM tools based on social and technical characteristics. The conclusions highlight the importance of adopting a social emphasize of continuous improvement to establish a technical focus of process standardization and stability for LM implementation success.
Keywords
Citation
EL-Khalil, R., Leffakis, Z.M. and Hong, P.C. (2020), "Impact of improvement tools on standardization and stability goal practices : An empirical examination of US automotive firms", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 705-723. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-08-2019-0289
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited