Survey on lean practices in small and medium manufacturing enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa.
Date
2015
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Abstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are key contributors to the South African
economy. In-order to survive the current volatile economy, SMEs need to implement
new and efficient practices in the manufacturing operations. The manufacturing
sector in South Africa is growing at a slower pace in comparison to other sectors due
to high labour and production costs. However, implementing management system
such as Lean practices creates the competitive advantage necessary for survival.
This study explored the awareness of Lean practices in the SMEs in the
manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The study aimed to gauge the level of
implementation of Lean practices, as well as to assess the challenges encountered
while implementing Lean practices.
A quantitative research methodology was conducted in KZN’s SMEs in the
manufacturing sector. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire to seek
the level of awareness and implementation benefits and challenges. Two-hundred
and twenty respondents were chosen from a database directory. The findings of the
study indicated that the majority of SMEs are aware of Lean Manufacturing in
practice but do not understand the terminology lean manufacturing. The surveyed
SME manufacturers believe that training is the best method of implementing Lean
practices. Amongst the challenges is the technological factor which hinders the
implementation of Lean manufacturing.
The study suggests that managers, including employees, be thoroughly trained on
Lean practices in order to effectively implement Lean practices. This is meant to
ensure that the entire business works in unison towards common goals. It was also
recommends that SMEs be taken under the wing of the larger organisations which
have successfully implemented Lean practices. This will not only ensure survival,
but it also has added benefits of creating partnerships
Description
Master of Business Administration. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2015.
Keywords
Manufacturing industries--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Lean manufacturing--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Industrial management--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Small business--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Business administration., Lean practices.