Critical success factors for sustaining continuous improvement at Blendcor-Durban.
Date
2015
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Abstract
Innovation and increased knowledge management are the outcomes of successful
continuous improvement deployment in an organisation. Innovation is a key strategy for
growing economies and industries to maintain a competitive advantage. Knowledge
management is an enabler of innovation and is considered as “the heartbeat” of continuous
improvement. Blendcor which is an oils and lubricants manufacturer located in Durban
introduced continuous improvement in 2011 to comply with international standards in
manufacturing. Whilst Blendcor is in the infancy phase of the improvement journey, after
four years, the results have not met the targets set by the company. In order to understand
the problem a qualitative study was conducted among the senior management team to
identify the barriers inhibiting the sustainability of continuous improvement and the critical
success factors required to overcome the barriers. A qualitative study was chosen in order
to obtain rich data that would get to the heart of the problem and to understand how the
leadership were implementing continuous improvement. Eight face-to-face interviews
were conducted based on an open ended interview schedule. Follow-up questions were
asked for clarity and to expand on points that were raised by the participants. The
responses were captured verbatim and were input into NVIVO for analysis. A number of
themes emerged from the study. The lack of leadership commitment, goal misalignment
and improper change management were the critical barriers experienced by the
organisation. The results have demonstrated that these factors have the greatest impact on
the sustainability of continuous improvement in the organisation. The empirical findings
provided a platform for recommendations to overcome these barriers. The alignment of
goals, effective change management and competency are the critical factors highlighted to
overcome the barriers mentioned. It is critical that the leadership team assess the current
situation and act on the recommendations immediately. The benefits of an effective
continuous improvement plan will ensure focus and clear objectives, saving time and
resources.
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2015.
Keywords
Production management--South Africa--Durban., Continuous improvement process--South Africa--Durban., Knowledge management--South Africa--Durban., Theses--Business administration., Blendcor.