Purpose -The purpose of this study is to assess the lean performance of a tyre manufacturing firm in India. The key objective is to find key strategic and operational decision-making dimensions for developing effective lean manufacturing environment in a tyre manufacturing organization. Design/methodology/approach -This research is empirical in nature where the opinions of a group of experts of an Indian tyre manufacturing firm were consulted to formulate an interpretive structural model (ISM) of the critical success factors of lean manufacturing implementation in a tyre manufacturing organization. The authors have developed an Excel-based template for quantitative assessment of lean performance indicators on the basis of feedback from the operational staff. Findings -This research work suggests that financial capability of an organization drives the topmanagement commitment for incorporating lean manufacturing practices in a tyre manufacturing organization. Organizational culture and human resource management are the important enablers for developing change management paradigm, which in turn leads to performance improvement. This study also reveals that over-processing as well as excessive defects are the most detrimental wastes in radial tyre manufacturing, which accounts for high manufacturing cost of radial tyre manufacturing in India.Research limitations/implications -Since this study is carried out in a single (case) organization, a relatively small sample size restricts the outcome from being considered for generic industrial application. This study none the less is useful for practicing managers and academicians for the development of lean manufacturing strategy in context with the tyre industry since it encompasses insightful views of experienced lower to upper middle level managers. Originality/value -This paper provides some key enablers for the successful implementation of lean tools in Indian tyre manufacturing, where lean practices are still in the early stage and little literature is available in this context with tyre manufacturing. Also an attempt has been made to develop a simple Excel-based template for lean assessment in the tyre industry. This template can be used in other industries by simply modifying the key attributes.

No abstract

Early successional tree species typically attract numerous generalist frugivores, many of which serve as seed dispersers. This study evaluated whether several such dispersers facilitated the invasion of an exotic, early successional tree species, Maesopsis eminii (Rhamnaceae), in submontane forests of the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. The primary seed dispersers and their dispersal effectiveness were determined through focal watches at eight trees. Only 3 of 13 frugivores that consumed Maesopsis fruits functioned as seed dispersers (silvery-cheeked hornbill Ceratogymna brevis, Fischer's turaco Tauraco fischeri and blue monkey Cercopithecus mitis). On average, hornbills dispersed > 26 times more seeds than monkeys, and > 3 times as many seeds as turacos per visit and were thus considered the most important disperser. Seed germination was not affected by gut passage through hornbills. Germination in four microhabitats was experimentally evaluated to determine whether microhabitat influences germination success. Large gaps and forest edges had significantly higher germination rates compared with understorey locations; the germination rate in small gaps was not significantly different from that in the understorey. Expansive Maesopsis invasion in the East Usambaras was likely enhanced in both rapidity and scale by the presence of an extremely effective dispersal agent, the silvery-cheeked hornbill.

PurposeThis case seeks to illustrate the specific problem of excessive defects in radial tyres produced in a renowned tyre manufacturing company in India. This paper aims to show how lean Six‐Sigma methodology can be used to tackle the specific issues like defects reduction.Design/methodology/approachThe management took this problem on top priority as it is eroding their brand value and financial performance. A Mumbai‐based lean Six‐Sigma consulting group was approached to tackle the issue. One of the authors, who is pursuing research on determinants of successful lean manufacturing implementation in Indian industries, joined this project as a part of his field study and he spent considerable time in discussing and observing the issue with people of different hierarchical levels of the company. Lean Six‐Sigma methodologies were incorporated and the problem was evaluated with root‐cause analysis. This case is formulated on the basis of the initial findings of the study in an Indian tyre manufacturing organisation keeping the actual name of the company in disguise.FindingsOn the basis root‐cause analysis of the radial tyre manufacturing process, it was found that presence of foreign particles in the manufacturing environment, under‐ageing and over‐ageing of tyre components, and inefficient bead winding process, were the main culprits of defects. It was confirmed that lean Six‐Sigma methodology can serve as a major tool to reduce defects in the tyre manufacturing process in India.Originality/valueThis paper provides some key insights to the successful adoption of lean Six‐Sigma tools in an Indian industrial environment, where lean practices are still in the very nascent stage and very little literature is available in this context.

No abstract