Factors Affecting Successful Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Tools and Techniques in the Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka

5 Pages Posted: 29 Apr 2011

See all articles by Niranga Silva

Niranga Silva

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

H.S.C. Perera

University of Moratuwa

Dinesh Samarasinghe

University of Moratuwa

Date Written: April 27, 2011

Abstract

Lean Manufacturing is a business strategy which was originated and developed in Toyota Motor Company, Japan. It is useful in identifying waste associated with processes. As a result companies can improve their productivity and quality and can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Lean Manufacturing was originated in automotive industry and then later on spread to many other industries in both developed and developing countries. In implementing this concept Toyota has introduced and developed many tools and techniques which can be used effectively.

In Sri Lanka, apparel sector is the leader in implementing Lean Manufacturing. However a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. Therefore in order to fill this empirical gap, this research is an attempt to identify factors such as suitable methods of implementation, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits of implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka.

The study first undertook literature review in the field of Lean Manufacturing. Then it developed broader research questions and administered them to fifteen apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka using personal interviews and observations methods. The sample firms were selected judgmentally. In analyzing the data descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used.

The result of the study revealed factors such as implementation strategies, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits have influenced the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing in mass production apparel industry. Since Lean is new to most of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean.

Keywords: Lean Manufacturing, Lean tools and techniques, Apparel industry, Sri Lanka

Suggested Citation

Silva, Niranga and Perera, H.S.C. and Samarasinghe, Dinesh, Factors Affecting Successful Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Tools and Techniques in the Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka (April 27, 2011). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1824419 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1824419

Niranga Silva (Contact Author)

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology ( email )

Malabe, Western CO 10115
Sri Lanka

H.S.C. Perera

University of Moratuwa ( email )

Bandaranayake Mawatha
Katubedda, Moratuwa 10400
Sri Lanka

Dinesh Samarasinghe

University of Moratuwa ( email )

Bandaranayake Mawatha
Katubedda, Moratuwa 10400
Sri Lanka

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