Factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex (Pty) Limited - Durban plant.

Abstract

This study investigated the factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban Plant. This entire investigation was guided by the following research objectives, namely: to gain an understanding into the various factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban Plant; to assess the extent to which 5S is practiced at Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban plant; and to recommend ways to improve the sustainability of 5S initiatives using research and case studies. The researcher has adopted positivist epistemology as the philosophical approach. A descriptive study was conducted which enabled the researcher to accurately describe the research phenomenon. The study was conducted using the quantitative method. The research was conducted amongst staff at Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban plant. The sample size of 82 was selected with the help of simple random sampling. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The research instrument was first piloted to determine its reliability and validity. The reliability and validity of the research instrument was tested through statistical tools such as Cronbach’s alpha efficient and factor analysis respectively. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), version 25.0. The data analysis was done by employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that the main factors that influenced the sustainability of 5S were, namely: top management commitment and communication; inventory system; employee health and safety measures; time management/schedule of implementation; resources; and procedures. The overall results showed that the 5S tool could be applied in the focal organisations. This study recommends the following to address the challenges affecting the sustainability of 5S; being employee training, top management support, employee involvement, awareness of 5S, resource availability and an appropriate reward system.