DETERMINING BARRIERS IN LEAN MANUFACTURING IMPLEMENTATION AMONG MALAYSIAN SMEs

Abstract

Lean manufacturing concept able to reduce waste and improve efficiency of companies as there are many companies have implemented this concept and achieved great improvements. All companies must always strive for excellence in order to maintain competitiveness on the market. This study focuses on the lean manufacturing adoption in the Pasir Gudang Small Medium Enterprise (SME). The goal of this research is to identify the barriers of SMEs towards lean manufacturing implementation and to determine the highest ranking of barriers. In addition, the purpose of this research is to develop a measurement model of barriers to the implementation of lean manufacturing in the SMEs context. Methodologically, this research employs quantitative approaches which is questionnaire. The development and distribution of a structured questionnaire to a significant number of Pasir Gudang industrial businesses. The degree of barrier implementation of lean manufacturing in SMEs is evaluated and analysed using SPSS Software which involving Exploratory Factor Analysis, Friedman Test, Normality Test and Reliability test. The results demonstrate that there are 4 constructs that are supported by 35 items that contribute as a barrier to the adoption of lean manufacturing by SMEs. The research's findings also indicate that lack about lean information and understanding ranks top among barriers.