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Challenges in the implementation of lean manufacturing in the wood and furniture industry

Abu, Falah and Mat Saman, Muhamad Zameri and Garza-Reyes, Jose Arturo and Gholami, Hamed and Zakuan, Norhayati (2022) Challenges in the implementation of lean manufacturing in the wood and furniture industry. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 33 (1). pp. 103-123. ISSN 1741-038X

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-01-2021-0029

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyses the challenges in implementing lean manufacturing (LM) in the wood and furniture industry. In order to facilitate the smooth implementation of LM practices in this industry, the challenges in terms of its deployment need to be analysed and observed. Design/methodology/approach: Realizing this importance, this study proposes a model, using PLS-SEM, which focusses on dealing with the challenges faced in the implementation of lean in the wood and furniture industry. The model consists of ten challenges that were determined based on a survey involving 46 SMEs companies in Malaysia. Findings: The findings revealed that the implementation of LM is significantly affected by three main issues, namely: knowledge, resources and culture and human attitude. Furthermore, the analyses also highlighted four dominant challenges which are related to culture and human attitude issues – lack of employee commitment, lack of senior management's interest and support, difficult to implement, and LM is viewed as “current trend”. Overall, the ability to deal with the challenges involving factors of knowledge and culture and human attitude determines the success of LM implementation, especially in companies that have limited resources. Practical implications: This study would help wood and furniture SMEs, government agencies, professional bodies and academics to better understand the challenges when implementing LM practices. Originality/value: Overall, this study aims at investigating the relationships between the three challenges to better promote LM in the scope under study. Therefore, several activities were proposed to overcome the abovementioned challenges and subsequently contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Item Type:Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:challenges, culture and human attitude, knowledge
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory > HB615-715 Entrepreneurship. Risk and uncertainty. Property
Divisions:International Business School
ID Code:103404
Deposited By: Narimah Nawil
Deposited On:05 Nov 2023 09:44
Last Modified:05 Nov 2023 09:44

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