Mustafa Özbayrak, Gultekin Cagil and Cemalettin Kubat
Scheduling a manufacturing system can be one of the most complex tasks in managing an operation. Planning and control systems such as just in time (JIT) can aid scheduling…
Abstract
Scheduling a manufacturing system can be one of the most complex tasks in managing an operation. Planning and control systems such as just in time (JIT) can aid scheduling. However, planning and control tools require a fairly stable shopfloor environment to get the best out of them. Many system designs and schedules only consider 100 per cent reliability in machines, and do not take into account random interruptions. In this paper, a simulation model was created to investigate machine and material handling system breakdown problems in a JIT‐driven flexible manufacturing system. Results show that compromises have to be made with JIT control in order to get the best system performance.
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Abul Bashar, Ahsan Akhtar Hasin, Samrat Ray, Md. Nazmus Sakib, Md. Mahbubur Rahman and Nabila Binta Bashar
Lean Manufacturing Systems (LMS) gained popularity among manufacturers globally. However, their efficacy in developing and least-developed countries remained noticeably…
Abstract
Purpose
Lean Manufacturing Systems (LMS) gained popularity among manufacturers globally. However, their efficacy in developing and least-developed countries remained noticeably understudied. Motivated by this research gap, the researchers of this study designed a quantitative study with a structured survey technique to investigate its context-specific impact on the apparel industry of a developing country. Hence, this study aimed to examine the relationship between LMS and elimination of waste (EOW) and operational performance (OP) and comprehend how the EOW mediates the relationship between an LMS and OP within the apparel industry of a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers collected data from 227 garment companies in Bangladesh. These organization-level data were then analyzed using the structural equation modeling approach with AMOS 20.0 software to examine the direct and indirect effects among EOW, LMS and OP.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that EOW has a direct and significant effect on OP. This research also revealed that EOW has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between LMS and OP.
Research limitations/implications
This research focused on a single industry administering self-reported data and cross-sectional design, limiting generalizability and causal inference.
Practical implications
LMS and directing efforts towards EOW can significantly improve the operational performance of apparel companies by reducing lead times and costs, improving quality and increasing productivity.
Originality/value
These findings can provide useful insight to managers, practitioners and future researchers to understand the relationship between EOW, LMS and OP to optimize their production processes and improve OP in the apparel industry.