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Article
Publication date: 7 March 2016

Osama Alaskari, Mohammad Munir Ahmad and Ruben Pinedo-Cuenca

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the manufacturing sector, to select an appropriate lean tool for the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the manufacturing sector, to select an appropriate lean tool for the company which will maximum benefits from adopting the tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on the selection of an appropriate lean tool for manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains a quantitative approach that can assist SMEs in identifying the appropriate lean tool. A literature review, collation of experts’ opinions via a questionnaire and a case study (to provide a guideline as to how the developed methodology may work) are presented in this research.

Findings

The findings revealed that the proposed methodology was effective in identifying the appropriate lean tools for companies, according to the key performance indicators in the manufacturing SME sector.

Practical implications

The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as a decision support system to enable the representatives of the company to make an informed decision regarding the selection of the most appropriate lean tool (i.e. that will address the most important issue that the company is experiencing). The strength of using this methodology is that appropriate lean tool can be ascertained relatively easily and inexpensively. There is the prospect of this methodology being applicable to most types of SMEs.

Originality/value

This methodology has proven to be useful for recommending the application of lean tools in a company’s attempt to become lean, bridging the gap identified in the literature review.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

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Article
Publication date: 8 April 2014

Mohammad Munir Ahmad and Osama Alaskari

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This area of the study focuses on the assessment of performance in manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains qualitative and quantitative measures that can quantify the opportunities and benefits within SMEs, as well as identifying the performance gaps between the current performance of the company and world-class performance. This includes reviewing the literature relating to assessment methodology and collecting data by carrying out semi-structured interviews with staff at target SMEs.

Findings

The results show that the proposed assessment methodology is effective in identifying hidden opportunities and benefits in the manufacturing SMEs sector, establishing world-class performance of the companies and comparing this with current performance in order to identify gaps in performance in manufacturing SMEs.

Practical implications

This assessment can be used for monitoring and assessing SMEs performance. The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as an assessment and benchmarking tool. It enables manufacturing SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and determine the gaps in current performance; this will assist manufacturing SMEs in selecting an appropriate tool to improve their performance in order to achieve the company objectives.

Originality/value

This paper presents a successful and effective assessment methodology for manufacturing SMEs. It measures current performance which will provide a useful indicator to identify waste. It attempts to improve company performance and suggests how such activities could be organised and managed more effectively. Consequently it leads to a high potential for cost and time saving and quality improvement.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 63 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

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