An empirical investigation of maintenance practices for enhancing manufacturing performance in small and medium enterprises of northern India

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simranjit Singh Sidhu ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Inderpreet Singh Ahuja

Purpose This paper aims to assess the contributions of maintenance practices and extract various significant factors that influence the implementation of maintenance practices in northern Indian small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) business performance. Design/methodology/approach In the current study, 216 north Indian SMEs have been extensively surveyed to assess the contributions of different maintenance practices implementation dimensions and manufacturing performance attributes through different statistical techniques. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically validate the hypotheses, while Levene’s experiment and Wilk–Shapiro tests were used to confirm ANOVA’s assumptions. Finally, the discriminating validity test extracts highly successful and moderately successful organizations. Findings The present research aims to evaluate the contributions of different maintenance practices implementation dimensions on SMEs’ manufacturing performance attributes. The study highlights that strategic maintenance practices such as corrective maintenance (CM), general maintenance issues, preventive maintenance (PM) issues and predictive maintenance (Pd.M) initiatives have enhanced overall equipment effectiveness, overall business performance, quality, cost optimization, safety, delivery and morale in SMEs. Originality/value The study validates the capabilities of maintenance practices toward significant improvements of various implementation dimensions such as breakdown maintenance issues, general maintenance issues, PM issues, Pd.M issues, CM issues, computer maintenance management system issues, maintenance scheduling issues and total productive maintenance issues. The study reveals significant implications for SMEs for realizing significantly improved manufacturing performance through strategic maintenance initiatives.

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-442
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Festa ◽  
Matteo Rossi ◽  
Ashutosh Kolte ◽  
Mario Situm

Purpose This study aims to analyze the territory as a distinctive factor through which the concept and practice of “Made in Italy” operates. Specifically, the study considers the role of local and sub-national entrepreneurial collaborations that preserve and enhance factors such as history, style and talent as the essence of Italian “quality” and as the pillar of Italian territorial capitalism. Design/methodology/approach The research examines this Italian phenomenon by investigating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that successfully compete abroad (and also in the domestic market) with a “glocal” approach, adopting the entrepreneurial formula of industrial districts. Findings The results indicate that international expansion is becoming increasingly more complex (as is every growth/development strategy) but that “glocalism” could represent a potential driver for the success of internationalization strategies. Specifically, for SMEs operating in industrial districts, territorial capitalism could emerge as a unique competitive factor, because it is a component of local structural capital and global reputational capital, as in the case of “Made in Italy.” Originality/value In an increasingly globalized market environment, many companies look to foreign markets to maintain and expand competitive advantage and business performance. Once the companies embark on this endeavor, organizations are involved in governing and managing these networks of finance, production and communication and the distribution-related relationships that constitute globalization. The push to engage in international development is currently imperative for SMEs, which need to extend their business engagement beyond conventional local markets and identify and exploit their distinctive competitive advantage to be able to succeed. One possible way of achieving this is the close interaction with the local territories in which these enterprises reside.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 754-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seemant Kumar Yadav ◽  
Vikas Tripathi ◽  
Geetika Goel

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and rank different dimensions of strategic orientation and firm’s performance using the approach of interpretive structural modeling. Design/methodology/approach The study uses interpretative structural modeling and the MICMAC technique to establish a hierarchical relationship among different dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and manufacturing performance of Indian SMEs. Findings The final outcome of interpretative structural modeling and the MICMAC analysis revealed a relationship between the variables under study along with the categorization of all in two different categories, depending upon their driving power and dependency, which decision-makers can also use while devising their strategy to improve performance. Originality/value To date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no significant contribution about such interrelationship was reported; therefore, this study is one of its types to fill this gap.


2010 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1319-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.T.S. Ho ◽  
K.L. Choy ◽  
S.H. Chung ◽  
C.H.Y. Lam

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors, such as the different strategies adopted and the size of the company, that have a significant determining impact on the financial performance of companies in extreme circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThe research target of this paper is the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong. This is quantitative research and it is done on a survey basis, which includes hypothesis setting and statistical analysis. In addition, constructive suggestions are given to companies after analyzing the current situation.FindingsIn total, ten factors from four dimensions are determined as the critical strategies for the company to adopt in an uncertain financial situation. The result shows the influence of different factors on return on investment for the companies with different backgrounds.Practical implicationsThe business environment today is full of turbulence and uncertainties; this, along with the fierce global competition, means that manufacturers are all struggling to survive. The financial tsunami that has swept across the global economy is believed to be the most catastrophic in living memory. Therefore, this research will be especially valuable and useful to companies which wish to achieve excellence in business performance in spite of such a global disaster.Originality/valueManufacturers worldwide have suffered badly from the impact of the financial tsunami. The SMEs in Hong Kong are certainly not an exception. However, under the same adverse conditions, some have been able to maintain their stability or even thrive. The findings suggest some specific corporate strategies which will enable companies to survive and remain competitive.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surjit Kumar Gandhi ◽  
Anish Sachdeva ◽  
Ajay Gupta

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the role played by service quality (SQ) in manufacturer–distributor working partnerships in the context of Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and present two models which propose and validate that contributions toward SQ, made by both the manufacturing unit and distribution firm lead to satisfaction which consequently results in business-to-business (B2B) loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe research design for this study includes a combination of literature review, exploratory interviews with a focus group and a questionnaire survey conducted through interview schedule from 101 information rich and willing respondents working in SMEs of northern India.FindingsThe paper brings out scales foe measuring organizational (internal) and distributor (external) SQ. Further, two models using structural equation modeling are developed. Model-I examines the effect of organizational SQ on distributor SQ. Model-II examines the impact of distributor SQ on satisfaction and loyalty and also tests a set of four propositions related to their working relationship. The models are empirically tested and are found to be fit.Research limitations/implicationsFuture researchers may validate these scales, and empirically test the proposed models in alternate settings. Insights derived from this study may be transferred to other partnerships, which may exist in a manufacturing supply chain including suppliers, employees, retailers and end consumers.Practical implicationsThis study would be of interest to SME practitioners interested in improving SQ with their distributors. The study also finds support for strengthening collaborative relationships with B2B partners to achieve a win-win situation.Originality/valueThere are very few empirical studies that measure SQ w.r.t. distribution function in SMEs and the concept is in nascent stage, especially in Indian setting.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1307-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irwan Usman ◽  
Haris Maupa ◽  
Muhammad Idrus ◽  
Siti Haerani ◽  
Nurjanna Nurjanna

PurposeThis paper examines how market orientation and competence of knowledge reinforce the innovation and in turn improve the business performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research applied research design with quantitative approach based on positivism philosophy, that is, research aimed to test the theory and data which is general to produce findings that are special through hypothesis test. This study was supplemented by field studies as a necessary source of data in the form of trends, attitudes, opinions, perceptions of owners, managers or senior employees of SMEs in the textile industry in Bali, related to the variables used in this study.Findings(1) Market orientation influences business performance, (2) competence of knowledge moderates the influence of market orientation on business performance, (3) innovation moderates the influence of market orientation on business performance.Originality/value(1) Novelty of this research is developing the concept of competence of knowledge associated with business performance in which this relationship has not yet been expressed. (2) Building the concept of innovation development of small-scale industry based on the market orientation. (3) Developing the concept of innovative development of small and medium enterprises of textile industry based on competence of knowledge. (4) Investigating the concept of market orientation and competence of knowledge in an integrated and holistic way to strengthen the innovation and business performance of SMEs of the textile industry in Bali.


Author(s):  
Arishu Kaushik ◽  
Doordarshi Singh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find out and highlight the major influential barriers in the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Northern India. The major barriers in the implementation of AMTs in manufacturing industries of Northern India have been critically assessed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach An ample and reasonable number of small- and medium-scale manufacturing industries of northern India have been surveyed with an aim to find out the barriers in the implementation of AMTs. On the basis of data collected, AHP–TOPSIS method was applied in order to measure the weightage of each barrier in a simple mathematical form. Findings High cost of AMTs, lack of appropriate financial resources and current processes or procedures are the major barriers that cause hindrance in the path of implementation of AMTs in SMEs. Research limitations/implications This investigation was based on the survey followed by judgments of experts in industry and academia; other approaches such as PROMETHEE, WPM, VIKOR, etc., can be applied for investigation. Also, the study can be carried out in different region(s) and parts of the country. Practical implications This paper can be helpful in many ways to the management or industrialists of various nations who are on the same path or will follow soon. Originality/value SMEs need to address the findings of this research in order to overcome the barriers and successfully implement the AMTs. A model for successful implementation of AMTs by overcoming the barriers has been suggested.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahid Yousaf ◽  
Abdul Majid

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the key issues, how organizational networks influence the strategic business performance (SBP) through the mediating role of organizational flexibility, and the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Contextualizing small and medium enterprises in developing countries, the authors have developed and tested a theoretical model of SBP to provide a framework for analyzing its major antecedents. Design/methodology/approach This research used a quantitative approach with cross-sectional data. The authors used correlation, regression and Baron and Kenny Approach (Causal Step Approach) for analyzing the data collected from 737 CEOs/MDs/owners of different small and medium enterprises to test the theoretical model developed for this study. Findings Findings revealed that organizational flexibility mediates the relationship between organizational network and SBP. Furthermore, stronger EO strengthens the relationship between organizational flexibility and SBP. Originality/value This study contributes in two ways: first, it provides empirical evidences that how to flourish the mechanism of SBP in SMEs. Second, this work contributes to understand the effects of organizational networks, flexibility and EO on SBP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 2611-2634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Jain ◽  
Harwinder Singh ◽  
Rajbir S. Bhatti

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the key enabler for total productive maintenance (TPM) implementation in Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by using graph theoretic approach (GTA). There are certain enablers for TPM implementation which helps the organization to implement it successfully. It is very essential to identify the nature and impact of these key enablers. Design/methodology/approach A large number of the enablers (27) have identified for TPM implementation in Indian SMEs from the available literature, questionnaire survey and expert opinion. These TPM enablers have categorized into six major categories. Findings In this research work, the intensity of identifying enablers has been calculated to show their impact or influence in TPM implementation. The value of intensity of TPM enablers shows the role or impact of individual enabler in the implementation of TPM in Indian SMEs. Practical implications This study provides an easy-to-use methodology for the practical decision makers in the manufacturing industry to improve their performance by implementing TPM in Indian SMEs. A detailed methodology has prepared to identify the enablers for TPM implementation in Indian SMEs by using GTA. This study also explains that how to check the feasibility of an organization to implement TPM in Indian SMEs successfully. Originality/value TPM is an improvement concept which holds the potential to improve manufacturing organizations, but its implementation is not easy in Indian SMEs. The reason behind the unsuccessful implementation of TPM in most of the organizations is the ignorance of impact of innumerable enablers and barriers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose Haynes Kiwia ◽  
Kenneth M.K. Bengesi ◽  
Daniel W. Ndyetabula

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine succession planning and performance of family-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The quantitative research approach and a cross-sectional research design were employed. The probability sampling technique was used to draw 219 respondents from the sampling frame. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used for data analysis. Findings It was revealed that most of family-owned SMEs founders in the study area had mechanisms for succession planning for their businesses. Also, there is a difference in business performance when successors are selected and prepared by business founders compared to when they are selected and prepared by other family members. Successors selected and prepared by business founders performed better in business than successors who were selected and prepared by other family members. Research limitations/implications This study employed a quantitative research paradigm methodology, which limits deep discussion with respondents. Future studies could consider using a qualitative research paradigm methodology. Originality/value The paper presents succession planning process experience in family-owned SMEs in the study area, specifically the existence of succession planning in family-owned SMEs. It also shows a difference in business performance between the two investigated groups. This paper will benefit business founders, family business successors and researchers.


Author(s):  
Seemant Kumar Yadav ◽  
Vikas Tripathi ◽  
Geetika Goel

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of market orientation on performance and to figure out the mediator effect of incremental innovation on this relationship with an implementation on Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach Following a survey among 333 owners/managers of SMEs in Indian, six research propositions were framed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analysis was used for the purpose of data analysis. Findings The outcome of the study demonstrates a significant effect of market orientation on SMEs performance. In addition, the mediating effect of innovation between market orientation and business performance was not supported in the context. Research limitations/implications This study uses cross-sectional research, which limits the ability to test the causality; hence, such studies should be replicated in other settings also to get more evidences about the relationship. Practical implications The research will help managers especially in manufacturing SMEs of developing countries to understand benefits of being market-oriented to improve performance. Originality/value The study attempts to enrich the market orientation literature especially in developing economies. It identifies the significant effect of interfunctional coordination on performance of small and medium enterprises working in more volatile environment. Further, the study also examines mediating role of innovation between market orientation and performance linkage.


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