The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the adoption of Lean manufacturing (LM) contributes towards the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the adoption of Lean manufacturing (LM) contributes towards the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a multi-case study approach conducted among five independent Indian manufacturing SMEs. The information from direct observation, structured questionnaire interviews with key persons and archival data are used to analyse and cross-check the relationship. An assessment tool, developed using the variables collected from the previous works, is used to measure the relationship.
Findings
The study provides a solid basis for the contribution and positive influence of LM towards the sustainability performance in SMEs. The manufacturing SMEs that have adopted Lean principles and practices are benefited more towards their economic, environmental and social sustainability performances, irrespective of their operational characteristics such as firm size and final product.
Research limitations/implications
This is a limited study conducted in a particular state in India by selecting only five independent case companies with divergent operational characteristics such as size of the firms, product and manufacturing process.
Originality/value
The study contributes by authorising the contribution of LM towards sustainability performance of SMEs. The findings will inspire academic community and industrial practitioners to expend for the adoption of Lean principles looking forward the sustainable development of the SMEs.
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Sajan M.P., Shalij P.R., Ramesh A. and Biju Augustine P.
The relevance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in contributing to the economy and social development is increasingly felt in the current business environment. Focusing on…
Abstract
Purpose
The relevance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in contributing to the economy and social development is increasingly felt in the current business environment. Focusing on sustainable development, SMEs have also implemented many acting strategies of large-scale enterprises such as lean and green practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage between lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) in SMEs and their sustainability performances. Further, this study explores the relationship between the triple bottom line sustainability performances.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a survey conducted and data collected from 252 manufacturing SMEs in India. The hypothesized relationships are then analyzed with structural equation modeling.
Findings
The outcome of the analysis shows that LMPs are positively associated with various sustainability performances categorized as economic, environmental, and social performances. Further, this study shows that environmental sustainability is correlated with economic and social sustainability performances.
Research limitations/implications
The study conducted was limited to a particular state in India. Moreover, the study uses the data from a cross-sectional survey from single respondents.
Practical implications
The findings of the study become an added advantage for the managers to convince their various stakeholders for implementing LMPs in SMEs.
Originality/value
The research findings provide theoretical and practical insights to derive the importance of LMPs in maximizing sustainability performances. It gives an enhanced perspective of the importance of LMPs on the sustainability performance of SMEs.
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Vergil Joseph I. Literal and Eugenio S. Guhao
The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the best fit model of triple bottom line (TBL) performance. Particularly, it delved into the interrelationships among…
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the best fit model of triple bottom line (TBL) performance. Particularly, it delved into the interrelationships among variables which include sustainable management practices, strategic orientation and organizational culture on TBL performance. This study employed descriptive-correlation technique using Structural Equation Modeling. Data were sourced by administering survey questionnaires to 400 individuals performing key functions among large manufacturing companies operating in Region XII, Philippines. Results displayed that sustainable management practices, strategic orientation and organizational culture positively and significantly correlated with TBL performance. Structural Model 4, which depicted the direct causal relationships of sustainable management practices and organizational culture to TBL performance of large manufacturing companies, satisfied all the indices used and was found to be the best fit model. Finally, this study adds value to a growing body of literature viewing TBL through the lens of corporate sustainability.
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Mary C. Kurian, Shalij P.R. and Pramod V.R.
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of analytic network process (ANP) as a methodology to make multiple criteria decision in selecting the most appropriate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of analytic network process (ANP) as a methodology to make multiple criteria decision in selecting the most appropriate maintenance strategy for organizations with critical manufacturing requirements.
Design/methodology/approach
Maintenance strategy selection problems are multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) problems which consist of many qualitative and quantitative characteristics. For solving MCDM problems, the ANP is highly recommended as it considers the interdependent influences among and between the various levels of decision attributes. In this research paper, the ANP method is used to select the optimum maintenance strategy in a cement industry in India.
Findings
The ANP method can be used as an effective tool for the evaluation of possible alternatives in maintenance strategy decision problems by considering the dependency among the strategic factors.
Research limitations/implications
As illustrated in this paper, ANP method can also be used in other industries for adopting the optimum maintenance strategy to enhance the business performance by decreasing the losses associated with equipment effectiveness.
Practical implications
The major contribution of this research is the successful development of the comprehensive ANP model for the cement plant. ANP model incorporates diversified variables of the cement plant supply chain and includes their interdependencies. The proposed ANP model in this paper, not only guides the decision makers in the selection of the best services but also enables them to visualize the impact of various criteria in the arrival of the final solution.
Social implications
The model can be extended to certain other manufacturing sectors as the future scope of research and may assist in obtaining a clear idea regarding the status of current maintenance strategies. It should be carried out with a larger number of firms in India focusing on small and medium firms to confirm these results and reinforce their applicability to these kinds of firms. Studies of such a nature would help in identifying successful organizational factors or successful maintenance practices that lead to superior performance.
Originality/value
This paper explores the value of implementing ANP as a decision making method in maintenance strategy, which is currently not a prevalent method.
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Ashutosh Samadhiya and Rajat Agrawal
Sustainability performances (SPs) are the most crucial performances for an organisation in today's world, and they can be measured by economic, social, and environmental metrics…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainability performances (SPs) are the most crucial performances for an organisation in today's world, and they can be measured by economic, social, and environmental metrics. Previous research has not been clear on the role of total productive maintenance (TPM) in the context of sustainability, which motivates the authors to investigate the relationship between TPM and various SPs of the manufacturing firm. Therefore, current research investigates the relationship between TPM and the overall sustainability of the manufacturing firm from the perspective of resource-based view (RBV) theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study proposed, tested and validated a conceptual framework using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). A total of 326 responses were received to validate the conceptual framework in smartsPLS 3.0 software.
Findings
The research outcomes indicate that TPM considerably impacts a manufacturing firm's economic, environmental and social performance.
Research limitations/implications
This research demonstrates that outstanding shop floor behaviour, such as TPM, can become an important asset to offer competitive advantages in a manufacturing firm. Similarly, TPM might serve as a roadmap for leveraging overall sustainability for manufacturing companies. The study indicates the establishment of a sustainability-oriented training protocol while practising TPM.
Originality/value
No past investigation indicates that a shop floor activity like TPM could be used as an input to offer sustainability in a single index for a manufacturing firm from the perception of RBV theory.
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Ashutosh Samadhiya, Rajat Agrawal and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes
Key success factors (KSFs) of total productive maintenance (TPM) have historically played a vital role in attaining economic and ecological sustainability but have overlooked…
Abstract
Purpose
Key success factors (KSFs) of total productive maintenance (TPM) have historically played a vital role in attaining economic and ecological sustainability but have overlooked social sustainability. Hence, this study analyses and ranks the most significant TPM KSFs for attaining social sustainability in manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a deductive methodology to identify the relevant TPM KSFs and social sustainability indicators and then uses Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to rank the TPM KSFs in order to achieve social sustainability, followed by a sensitivity analysis to assess the methodological robustness.
Findings
The findings indicate that the top five TPM KSFs influencing social sustainability are employee health and safety, organizational culture, top management commitment, employee engagement and effective communication and effective workplace management. In addition, the results indicate that effective equipment utilization is the least significant TPM key factor affecting social sustainability.
Research limitations/implications
SME manufacturing managers do not need to worry about all of the TPM KSFs if they only concentrate on the ones that will have the most impact. If managers use the top 5 TPM KSFs as a starting point, they may create customized TPM training programs for their companies. As a result, this will facilitate the efforts of their personnel toward social sustainability.
Originality/value
In the existing literature, little emphasis has been paid to social sustainability and how SMEs may implement these practices. This research adds to the current theory of TPM and social sustainability and sheds light on how SMEs might use TPM to advance toward more socially sustainable operations.
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Mariana Silva Barbosa Gama and Andrei Bonamigo
In response to strict regulations, high customer pressure, climate change and scarcity of natural resources, manufacturers have reassessed their operation and performance…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to strict regulations, high customer pressure, climate change and scarcity of natural resources, manufacturers have reassessed their operation and performance strategies to balance the sustainability and competitiveness needed to pursue a long-term competitive advantage toward an endurable business. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap between lean and sustainability, analyzing the sustainable lean manufacturing (SLM) effect on performance in the Brazilian automotive sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This study divided the performance into Triple Bottom Line (TBL) drivers: Economic, Social and Environmental, and developed six hypotheses for assessing the multidimensional performance of SLM organizations. Empirical data was collected with 127 usable responses, and the models were tested using partial least squares structural equations modeling. The results of this study are valid and adequate models and revealed that environmental, operational and social performance are significantly improved through SLM adoption in Brazilian automotive studies. In addition, analyze the interaction among the TBL’s drivers.
Findings
The results revealed positive and direct improvements in economic, social and environmental performance enhanced LM adoption. In addition, the results obtained in this study reveal that social drivers are more sensitive to prejudice due to simultaneous other driver improvements overlapping the workforce.
Originality/value
These findings are beneficial for company leaders and researchers working to improve the organization’s performance in these drivers, especially within companies in developing countries. These results explored different aspects of performance evaluation supporting a holistic view of the organization toward sustainability performance. Also explored different regulations and incentives for automotive companies that comply with specific sustainable goals.
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Edgar Ramos, Phillip S. Coles, Melissa Chavez and Benjamin Hazen
Agri-food firms face many challenges when assessing and managing their performance. The purpose of this research is to determine important factors for an integrated agri-food…
Abstract
Purpose
Agri-food firms face many challenges when assessing and managing their performance. The purpose of this research is to determine important factors for an integrated agri-food supply chain performance measurement system.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses the Peruvian kiwicha supply chain as a meaningful context to examine critical factors affecting agri-food supply chain performance. The research uses interpretative structural modelling (ISM) with fuzzy MICMAC methods to suggest a hierarchical performance measurement model.
Findings
The resulting kiwicha supply chain performance management model provides insights for managers and academic theory regarding managing competing priorities within the agri-food supply chain.
Originality/value
The model developed in this research has been validated by cooperative kiwicha associations based in Puno, Peru, and further refined by experts. Moreover, the results obtained through ISM and fuzzy MICMAC methods could help decision-makers from any agri-food supply chain focus on achieving high operational performance by integrating key performance measurement factors.
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To become a sustainable lean manufacturing (LM) system, an organization must be first distinctly cognizant of the terms “lean” and “sustainability” as they relate to the state of…
Abstract
Purpose
To become a sustainable lean manufacturing (LM) system, an organization must be first distinctly cognizant of the terms “lean” and “sustainability” as they relate to the state of affairs of their particular industry and business. Next, the organization must identify and acquire the necessary qualities it needs to become sustainable in lean philosophy and its practices in the organization. The LM paradigm has been a top priority for many businesses; thus, this article is based on actual research done in Indian small and medium scale organizations to see how widely it is understood and implemented.
Design/methodology/approach
A framework was developed based on literature review and academic research. A preliminary analysis of a small number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that, conceptually, summarizes and demonstrates the concerted efforts that a company may undertake to increase its leanness. This conceptual model was employed to create a questionnaire that was administered to survey the SMEs of India. The information gathered through this questionnaire was analyzed using the model developed by the researchers. Then fuzzy logic and systems approach were used to find out the effectiveness index (EI) of the organization.
Findings
The EI for system leanness at different organizational levels within an organization is determined using fuzzy logic and systems approach for 48 SMEs in different clusters. The average EI of the system was found to be 0.336 on a scale of 0–1 which indicates that the current state of lean implementation and its sustainability is very low and poor in Indian SMEs. This article outlines the key model components and describes how they were applied to analyze the data gathered from an industry study.
Research limitations/implications
The research aims to make lean continuously sustainable by surfacing and eliminating the wastes in the Indian SMEs whenever it appears rather than using it as a cleaning tool. The present study was focused on India’s southern industrial areas and it was difficult to gather the information around the country due to its diverse industrial culture and geography. Hence, more research and the comparative study of the same that takes into account the various regions of the nation’s industrial lean behavior can be conducted.
Practical implications
The generalized sustainable lean framework analyzed using fuzzy logic and systems approach gives the current effectiveness of the leanness in SMEs of south India. This model can be effectively implemented in other areas of the nation to identify the scenario of lean and its sustainability and a final comprehensive model can be developed.
Originality/value
There is a dearth of comprehensive studies on the assessment of sustainability of the lean philosophy in Indian SMEs. With the help of combined fuzzy logic and systems approach, the model developed in this study evaluates the sustainability of the lean methodology using the EI used in SMEs by taking into account both the lean and sustainability factors as well as enablers like customer satisfaction, ethics, innovation and technology.
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Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi, Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi and Hamood Mohammed Al-Hattami
This paper aims to explore how lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) predict sustainable performance (SP) in the context of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how lean manufacturing practices (LMPs) predict sustainable performance (SP) in the context of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in less developed countries, like Yemen. In particular, it investigates the mediating effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) under different levels of competitive intensity (CI).
Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze data gathered from a survey of 259 Yemeni manufacturing SMEs.
Findings
The findings confirm that LMPs affect CSR, which in turn affects SP. This study also confirms that LMPs have a positive indirect effect on SP through CSR, which diminished in the presence of CI.
Practical implications
This study provides useful insights for policymakers and firms’ managers, who are anticipated to show a higher commitment to CSR in their firms when adopting LMPs to enhance their firms’ SP, especially under a low level of CI.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to expanding knowledge on the effect of LMPs on SP through CSR constrained by the level of CI.