Development of lean enterprise implementation methodology: an ISM approach

Abstract

PurposeThere is a concern in literature about the critical elements of lean enterprise (LE) that can be represented as pillars of lean enterprise excellence. However, existing frameworks proposed on LE excellence are very few. The purpose of this paper is to develop a relationship model among the pillars of a proposed framework of LE excellence in Indian manufacturing industry by Jasti et al. (2020) with the help of interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and structural equation modelling (SEM).Design/methodology/approachThe ISM is constructed on two exemplary cases of lean operations from two Indian manufacturing organisations. These cases were selected based on the implementation of lean practices in respective organisations. The two manufacturing organisations which implemented lean practices at different levels were selected as contenders for constructing ISM. The relationships among pillars and constructs of LE framework are obtained from ISM, and later subjected to statistical testing for model fit by using SEM. The input to SEM was the respondent's data collected in a previous study.FindingsThe outcome of the present study revealed that the successful implementation of LE framework requires an appropriate strategy along with top management commitment to get a complete benefits of LE. The study has proposed a strategy to implement the proposed LE framework in Indian manufacturing industry. This study has revealed that ISM developed based on the focal company that implemented lean practices effectively is statistically fit for LE framework.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has established paired relationships among lean pillars for an effective implementation of LE framework. The investigation was started by collecting opinions of experts to perform the appropriate interpretations subsequently. However, the expert judgements can be qualitative in nature and prone to bias and impact the final outcome. To overcome these a large-scale empirical survey is suggested to provide a better catch for interactions in LEs.Practical implicationsThis study helps in providing concrete practical implications to both academic researchers as well as industry professionals. The practitioners normally focus on finding readymade strategies for implementing LE in the organizations. The comprehensiveness of the present work helps the practitioners in implementing LE strategy with ease. The study revealed that management commitment and leadership is driving force but needs strategic implementation methodology for successful implementation.Social implicationsManufacturing industries across the world have been struggling to understand and implement LE strategy effectively. Most of the governments across the world are supporting and motivating various industry practitioners to implement LE strategy by providing financial assistance for conducting training programmes. However, many organizations across the world were not able to implement LE strategy successfully. The present study provides a strategy to implement LE framework effectively in an organization.Originality/valueThe study offers a unique approach for analysing the underlying relationships among pillars of LE for effective management. Researchers can use the results of this study for developing frameworks in various domains of LE.

An occupational health and safety management system framework for lean process industries: an interpretive structural modelling approach

“…In the second level, ST&D was suggested. One of the critical issues in success of any manufacturing strategies is involvement of human resources with an appropriate training programs (Jasti and Kota, 2020). Whenever, human resource of the organization obtains relevant knowledge that helps in atmost involvement in the implementation.…”

“…Finally, validation of the proposed implementation methodology was carried out with the help of SEM. The steps of ISM methodology (Jasti and Kota, 2020) performed are given below: A contextual relationship among the identified factors is developed to examine as to which pairs of factors should be checked. A structural self-interaction matrix (SSIM) is then developed of the factors indicating pairwise relationships. An initial reachability matrix (IRM) is constructed from the SSIM by replacing each cell entry of the SSIM by 1 or 0 and checking the transitivity. The transitivity of the contextual relation is a basic assumption made in ISM.…”

“…Shah and Ward (2003) classified the lean tools and techniques into just-in-time, total quality management, human resource management and total productive management. Lean philosophy is no longer confined to automotive sector in which it originated (Jasti and Kota, 2020). Lean was applied in a wide variety of sectors: electronics, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, hospitals, supply chain and bestowed significant benefits (Radcliffe et al , 2020).…”

“…However, most of the barriers are relevant to safety and maintenance that can be overcome by implementing OHSMS. Jasti and Kota (2021) have reported enablers to implement lean manufacturing strategy in Indian manufacturing industries. The enablers are management commitment and leadership, human resource management, total productive maintenance, standardization, knowledge management and information technology system.…”

“…Finally, validation of the proposed implementation methodology was carried out with the help of SEM. The steps of ISM methodology (Jasti and Kota, 2020) performed are given below: A contextual relationship among the identified factors is developed to examine as to which pairs of factors should be checked.…”