An empirical investigation and prioritization of barriers toward implementation of agile manufacturing in the manufacturing industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-203
Author(s):  
Rahul Kumar ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar Jain

PurposeThe study aims at empirically investigating and prioritizing the critical barriers for the successful implementation of agile manufacturing in the medium- and large-scale Indian manufacturing industries.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of peer-reviewed journals and discussion with experts is used to identify 17 barriers to the implementation of agile manufacturing. An empirical survey is then conducted to collect data regarding the agile manufacturing barriers and is further analyzed using the factor analysis and vlsekriterijumska optimizacija i kompromisno resenje (VIKOR).FindingsBased on the survey of empirical data, the investigated critical barriers were reduced in five critical categories, as follows: Managerial constraints, technological constraints, human resource–related constraints, operational constraints and organizational culture-related constraints, which are further ranked in terms of their severity using VIKOR. This research advocates the development of a strategy for addressing the most critical barriers instead of focusing on all for the successful implementation of agile manufacturing.Originality/valueThis work contributes to agile manufacturing literature by the structured presentation of the barriers to implement agile manufacturing in the Indian manufacturing industry. It also extends the integrated factor analysis and VIKOR method to investigate and rank the barriers.

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1195-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varinder Kumar Mittal ◽  
Kuldip Singh Sangwan

Purpose – Manufacturing firms consume energy and natural resources in highly unsustainable manner and release huge amounts of green house gases leading to many economic, environmental and social problems; from local waste disposal to climate change. Consciousness about these issues has lead to a new manufacturing paradigm of environmentally conscious manufacturing (ECM). There exist many social, legislative, policy, economic, internal, and environmental factors which can motivate and/or force industry to adopt ECM. The purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers for ECM, developing a model of these drivers using statistical analysis and testing the model using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. Design/methodology/approach – The basic steps of methodology are ECM driver development, survey instrument development, data collection, model proposition, and model validation. The main data analysis approaches are exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and SEM to develop a model of drivers and validating the same based on the data collected from the manufacturing industry. Findings – The reliable, valid, and tested model has three types of drivers – internal, policy, and economic. It has been found through hypothesis testing that internal drivers for the implementation of ECM are positively related to policy and economic drivers; and policy drivers are positively related to economy drivers. This research is expected to help government and industry in developing policies and strategies for the successful implementation of ECM. Practical implications – The novelty of this study is that it provides the relationship among the drivers which can be leveraged by the managers to focus on the root drivers for smooth and effective implementation of ECM. Originality/value – This paper provides new theoretical insight into the factors motivating the industry to implement ECM systems in the industry with special focus on manufacturing sector of emerging economies.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kumar ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar Jain

Purpose Agility addresses vibrant solutions for running companies to meet the dares of customers asking for high quality and low- cost goods and services. The purpose of this study is to identify the practices for the successful implementation of agile manufacturing and measure their relationship with business performance measures of the manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach The data for the pilot study were collected from 26 respondents through a questionnaire survey. After confirming the normality and reliability of the data, it was analyzed to examine the relationship between agile manufacturing practices and business performance measures. Findings The results show that there are strong relationships between agile manufacturing practices and business performance. Further, these attributes significantly contribute to delivering better business performance. Originality/value The study signifies the need for agile manufacturing in enhancing business performance for the growth and sustainability of the organization.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep Kaur ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Doordarshi Singh

PurposeThe study aims at finding out major barriers for synergistic adoption of TQM-SCM in the medium- and large-scale manufacturing organizations in India. All these barriers create hurdles for the organizations as well as supply chain partners in improving their business performance. The study is a blend of theoretical and practical frameworks, which will focus on key barriers leading to interrupt the successful synergistic implementation of TQM-SCM in manufacturing organization.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, survey of 116 Indian organizations has been carried out to identify barriers that hinder successful implementation of TQM-SCM. Afterward, VIKOR approach was proposed to rank the major barriers of TQM-SCM implementation in Indian manufacturing organizations.FindingsIdentification of barriers to synergistic implementation of TQM-SCM in the manufacturing industry of India, ranking of these barriers in terms of their severity.Originality/valueThe adoption of TQM-SCM on synergistic basis is still in its early stages in India. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that is designed to prioritize barriers responsible for hindering successful synergistic implementation of (TQM-SCM) in Indian manufacturing industry. Further, the results of the study will be helpful for managers in order to prepare action plans to overcome the hurdles to TQM-SCM implementation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1395-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kumar ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Sanjiv Kumar Jain

PurposeThe concept of agile manufacturing is becoming critically important to manufacturing industry due to rapid industrialization, fluctuating customer demand, and turbulent business environment. The aim of this study is to prioritize the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing using a combined analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach in Indian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThe current study identifies eight agile manufacturing attributes through literature review and discussion with subject experts. The experts from different manufacturing industry have been asked to provide data for pairwise comparison of attributes. Afterward, an integrated AHP and TOPSIS approach is employed. The AHP is used to drive the priority weights of the attributes, and TOPSIS is used for prioritizing the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing.Findings“Information technology,” “human resource management-related issues,” “customer-related issues,” “leadership support,” and “organizationalc related-issues” have been ranked as the top five significant and contributing attributes, which can pave the path for top management to concentrate on the critical areas and allocate significant resources to ensure successful implementation of agile manufacturing.Originality/valueThis research integrates AHP and TOPSIS to prioritize the attributes for successful implementation of agile manufacturing, which are further validated by comparing the ranks obtained through respective approach and sensitivity analysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 825-836
Author(s):  
Roland Ortt ◽  
Claire Stolwijk ◽  
Matthijs Punter

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce, summarize and combine the results of 11 articles in a special issue on the implementation of Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 emerged as a phenomenon about a decade ago. That is why, it is interesting now to explore the implementation of the concept. In doing so, four research questions are addressed: (1) What is Industry 4.0? (2) How to implement Industry 4.0? (3) How to assess the implementation status of Industry 4.0? (4) What is the current implementation status of Industry 4.0?Design/methodology/approachSubgroups of articles are formed, around one or more research questions involving the implementation of Industry 4.0. The articles are carefully analyzed to provide comprehensive answers.FindingsBy comparing definitions systematically, the authors show important aspects for defining Industry 4.0. The articles in the special issue explore several cases of manufacturing companies that implemented Industry 4.0. In addition, systematic approaches to aid implementation are described: an approach to combine case-study results to solve new implementation problems, approaches to assess readiness or maturity of companies regarding Industry 4.0 and surveys showing the status of implementation in larger samples of companies as well as showing relationships between company characteristics and type of implementation. Small and large firms differ considerably in their process of implementing Industry 4.0, for example.Research limitations/implicationsThis special issue discusses implementation of Industry 4.0. The issue is limited to 11 articles, each of which with its own strengths and limitations.Practical implicationsThe practical relevance of the issue is that it focuses on the implementation of Industry 4.0. Cases showing successful implementation, measurement instruments to assess degree of implementation and advice how to build a database with cases together with large-scale studies on the state of implementation do provide a wealth of information with a large managerial relevance.Originality/valueThe paper introduces an original take on Industry 4.0 by focusing on implementation. The special issue contains both literature reviews, articles describing case studies of implementation, articles developing systematic measurement instruments to assess degree of implementation and some articles reporting large-scale studies on the state of implementation of Industry 4.0 and thereby combine several perspectives on implementation of Industry 4.0.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 938-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shivangi Viral Thakker ◽  
Santosh B. Rane

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a green supplier development (GSD) process model and validate the model with a case study in Indian automobile industry. Design/methodology/approach A literature survey of peer-reviewed journal articles, survey reports and paradigmatic books with managerial impact is done for the research. The process of GSD is modeled using stage-gate approach and KPIV and KPOV of the process are determined. The process model is implemented in an Indian automobile components manufacturing industry for validation. Findings The industry implemented the model with ten suppliers and was able to successfully convert seven of them into Green suppliers. Remaining three suppliers were asked to repeat the process again or terminate the contracts. Model implementation took around three years starting from planning of resources and finances to actual development of suppliers. Research limitations/implications The model implementation was done with a small automobile industry and hence the validation and implications may be generalized by taking the case study further in different industries. It would be beneficial to test the model with case studies of large-scale industries. Practical implications The process model for implementing GSD activities will help managers in taking complex investment decisions. The stages and process inputs and outputs are clearly defined which helps the managers to successfully develop the suppliers. Originality/value This paper puts forward the process model that should be implemented for the successful development of green suppliers. It might represent new opportunities for rigorous and relevant research in the area of green supply chain.


Author(s):  
Jugraj Singh Randhawa ◽  
Inderpreet Singh Ahuja

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative benefits accrued by an Indian automotive parts industry through strategic 5S implementation initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The study involves evaluation of steps involved in systematic implementation of 5S program methodology in an automotive manufacturing organization and investigation of achievements accrued by the industry through the successful implementation of 5S program. Findings The empirical results of the study have revealed that effective practice of 5S program brings considerable level of improvements in the quality, production, cost optimizations, employee’s morale values and work culture in the manufacturing industry. The industry accrued both tangible and non-tangible benefits through the holistic adoption of 5S principals. 5S principals have been envisioned to further support other quality improvement programs like lean manufacturing initiatives of the organizations. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study is that this research has been carried out in only manufacturing industry while similar study will be conducted in the service industry also. Originality/value Global competition in the manufacturing sector has provided necessary impetus for manufacturing organizations for affecting continuous improvements in manufacturing performance for achieving sustainability and profitability in the competitive market. 5S implementation is the fundamental tool for the overall achievements in both quantitative and qualitative performance enhancements in the manufacturing as well as service organizations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Adeel Shamsi ◽  
Aftab Alam

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present critical barriers and obstacles faced by Information Technology (IT) industry in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) as the business improvement methodology. Design/methodology/approach A literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles, master and doctoral theses, paradigmatic books with managerial impact and survey reports was used to identify distinct barriers. An empirical survey, using 400 self-administered questionnaires, was then conducted. Data about 11 LSS barriers from 256 usable questionnaires, with a response rate of 64 per cent, were collected and analyzed by means of statistical data analysis software. Findings The challenges of “part-time involvement in Lean Six Sigma projects”, “time consuming”, “staff turnover in middle of project”, “difficulty in data collection” and “difficulty in identifying project scope” emerged as the most critical barriers in the context of IT industry. This research work advocates the development of a strategy for addressing the most critical barrier instead of focusing on all for successful implementation. Originality/value This paper will prove to be a fantastic resource for many researchers and practitioners who are engaged in research and applications of LSS in the IT industry. Moreover, the scarcity of literature specific to LSS in IT industry will be addressed to some extent.


2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 1394-1415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jagdeep Singh ◽  
Harwinder Singh ◽  
Gurpreet Singh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to uncover the significance of lean manufacturing technique in manufacturing environments. Design/methodology/approach Lean manufacturing is a management approach focused on incremental improvements in operations. Different lean strategies are being utilized by manufacturing industry to improve the performance of current manufacturing system processes. This study attempts to evaluate the performance of different lean manufacturing tools in the manufacturing industry of northern India. The importance level of different lean tools, important benefits achieved after successful implementation of lean manufacturing approach and benefits occurred after implementation of different lean tools have been identified. A questionnaire survey in the case company has been performed and the most important element of lean manufacturing has been implemented. Findings Results explicitly depict that just-in-time manufacturing is the most important element of lean manufacturing. Results indicate the net savings of rupees 242,208 annually after implementing lean manufacturing technique in a case company. Originality/value The paper demonstrates the practical application of lean technique showing how it can bring real breakthroughs in saving cost in the manufacturing industry.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew S. Isaac ◽  
Ajay T. Abraham ◽  
Elaine Y. Richards

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the recent implementation of the Challenger Sales Model (CSM) at Cars.com, an online automotive marketplace that generated $633m in sales in 2016 with a sales force of over 500 representatives, and to identify insights related to the implementation that may be relevant to sales researchers and other organizations considering similar implementations. A more specific aim is to determine whether establishing “constructive tension” between salespeople and their customers, which is a key tenet of the CSM, was perceived as a source of value for Cars.com. Design/methodology/approach The case study is based primarily on in-depth interviews with 15 employees spanning different sales and/or training responsibilities in the organization, from the current CEO (previously the former Senior Vice President of Sales) to sales representatives from different sales teams. Findings Five major insights emerged from this research: (1) Because it represents a change in the established norms governing interpersonal dynamics, constructive tension is often more difficult for salespeople to foster when interacting with existing (vs prospective) customers. (2) Whereas leading with insights is more difficult when interacting with prospective (vs existing) customers, sustaining meaningful insights over time is a major challenge when dealing with existing customers. (3 )Products that are more transactional or price-driven are ineffective at creating constructive tension and incompatible with the CSM. (4) Creating value from constructive tension requires the entire sales organization to share a common vision of what it means to be a Challenger and to adopt consistent nomenclature and formal programs for training and coaching. (5) Even more than other consultative sales models, the successful implementation of the CSM demands company-wide integration and makes it untenable for most indirect sales teams. Originality/value Although prior academic research has offered critiques of the CSM, the present paper is one of the first to use a discovery-oriented, qualitative research approach to provide a retrospective look at the actual implementation of the CSM within an organization. This approach results in novel insights, such as the identification of conditions when high-pressure versus low-pressure selling techniques are likely to be more successful, that may be of interest to sales researchers and to other companies considering a large-scale implementation of the CSM or related sales methodologies.


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