Implications of Computer-Integrated Manufacturing in Small and Medium Enterprises: An Empirical Investigation

1999 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gunasekaran ◽  
K. Thevarajah
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Computer Integrated Manufacturing ◽  
Integrated Manufacturing ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Collaborative Alliance for the Implementation of Computer Integrated Manufacturing in Small and Medium Enterprises

2011 ◽  
pp. 216-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B. Marri ◽  
A. Gunasekaran ◽  
Z. Irani ◽  
G.D. Putnik
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Computer Integrated Manufacturing ◽  
Integrated Manufacturing ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
High Investment ◽  
The Right ◽  
Medium Enterprises

For all small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the long term goal is to stay in business, grow, and make profit, especially for manufacturing SMEs that must understand the dynamic changes that are taking place in the business environment. For SMEs to remain competitive, they must deliver products to customers at the minimum possible cost, the best possible quality, and the minimum lead time starting from the product conception stage to final delivery, service, and disposal (Marri, Gunasekaran, Kobu, & Grieve, 2002). SMEs can achieve this goal by implementing computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). The aim of CIM is to produce the required amount of the product of acceptable quality at the right time. If CIM technologies are fully integrated, the SMEs can respond rapidly to changes in product design, demand, or mix. The high investment required for AMT implementation is becoming a major hurdle for SMEs to cross. This is due to lack of financial resources which has stalled the initiative in adopting CIM. Undoubtedly, this has caused a decrease in rate of adoption of CIM in SMEs. With the collaborative alliance, CIM can successfully be implemented in SMEs.

Size matters: Comparing the competitiveness of manufacturers of various sizes in South Africa

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewert Kleynhans
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Development Policies ◽  
Productivity Increase ◽  
Size Of Firms ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The competitiveness platform of industries of various sizes is compared in this study, which also examines their competitiveness indices and aspects relating to the competitiveness platform of large, medium and small firms respectively. The reasons that small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) deserve the attention of policymakers are considered first, and the merits of large firms are then assessed. Finally, the results of an empirical investigation into the competitiveness of South African industries are considered. The study revealed that firms of different sizes have strengths and weaknesses influencing their respective international competitiveness. When development policies and strategies are designed to enhance the competitiveness of industrial SMMEs, this should be kept in mind. A firm can be enhanced, for example, through the supplying of information, infrastructure, development funds and the acquisition of modern technology. Competitiveness and productivity increase as the size of firms increases.

scholarly journals AN EVALUATION OF VENDOR MANAGED INVENTORY PRACTICES FROM SMALL AND MEDIUM INDIAN ENTERPRISES

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S76-S95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixin Shen ◽  
Kannan Govindan ◽  
Atul B. Borade ◽  
Ali Diabat ◽  
Devika Kannan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Vendor Managed Inventory ◽  
Organizational Issues ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Share Information

Vendor managed inventory has proven to be an effective tool for improving the supply chain performance by decreasing inventory-related costs and increasing customer service. It is quite evident from the literature that vendor managed inventory (VMI) has been successfully implemented in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, studies related to the implementation of VMI in Indian SMEs are very limited. Therefore, this study presents an empirical investigation of VMI practices in Indian SMEs using survey methodology. The paper evaluates the benefits, barriers, and effects of adopting VMI in Indian SMEs, and also investigates the IT tools and software used for VMI adoption. Furthermore, this study explores the dissimilarities among various sectors of SMEs adopting VMI. Based on the proposed methodology, it is found that organizational issues and unwillingness to share information are the major barriers. In terms of benefits, the major influencing variables are improved efficiency and improved channel relations.

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