Title: World class manufacturing in make-to-order batch-production SMEs: an exploratory analysis in northern Italy

Authors: Alberto Petroni; Francesco Zammori; Giuliano Marolla

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 181/A, 43100 Parma, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 181/A, 43100 Parma, Italy ' Siteia-Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 95/A 43124 Parma, Italy

Abstract: The applicability of world class manufacturing (WCM) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a hotly debated topic. This paper belongs to this stream of research and presents a statistical survey designed to assess which WCM practices, if any, are implemented by SMEs and their effects on operational performances. Specifically, a comprehensive questionnaire was submitted to a sample of North Italian make-to-order batch-production SMEs, in the furniture, precision mechanics and textile-fashion industries. To assure consistency, and to avoid subjective interpretations, practices included in the questionnaire were adequately contextualised and answers were measured with an innovative five-point Likert-type scale. Outcomes, relative to the reference domain, demonstrate that SMEs can overcome quality-cost-time tradeoffs, using an integrated set of WCM practices. Results also indicate that belonging to a formal business group is a powerful enabler for a successful implementation of WCM, in SMEs.

Keywords: make-to-order; MTO; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; statistical survey; world class manufacturing; WCM; Italy; batch production; quality-cost-time tradeoffs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2017.081434

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2017 Vol.11 No.2, pp.241 - 275

Received: 19 Feb 2015
Accepted: 29 May 2015
Published online: 08 Jan 2017 *

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