Title: Continuous improvement capability in the Swedish engineering industry

Authors: Mandar Dabhilkar, Lars Bengtsson

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Gavle, 801 76 Gavle, Sweden. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Gavle, 801 76 Gavle, Sweden

Abstract: This article reports findings from the Swedish part of the 2nd International Continuous Improvement Survey. Based on Bessant|s evolutionary model of continuous improvement behaviour, the continuous improvement capability level of the Swedish engineering industry is estimated. The data analysis shows that there is a need for progression towards higher continuous improvement capability levels. Therefore, the specific abilities to develop in order to support such a move forward are clarified. In addition to being an illustration of manufacturing practices in Sweden from a continuous improvement perspective, this article contributes to the field of Operations Management by being the first attempt to replicate the work of Bessant via a large-scale survey study. The model is found valid and it shows that development of continuous improvement abilities contribute to the enhancement of plant performance.

Keywords: continuous improvement behaviour; empirical research; performance; Sweden; engineering industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2007.012263

International Journal of Technology Management, 2007 Vol.37 No.3/4, pp.272 - 289

Published online: 02 Feb 2007 *

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