World class manufacturing in make-to-order batch-production SMEs: an exploratory analysis in northern Italy Online publication date: Sun, 08-Jan-2017
by Alberto Petroni; Francesco Zammori; Giuliano Marolla
International Journal of Business Excellence (IJBEX), Vol. 11, No. 2, 2017
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.
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