Title: Implementation of lean practices based on Malaysian manufacturers' perspective: a confirmatory factor analysis

Authors: Muhamad Zaki Yusup; Wan Hasrulnizzam Wan Mahmood; Mohd Rizal Salleh

Addresses: Sustainable and Responsive Manufacturing Research Group, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Technology Campus, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 75450 Hang Tuah Jaya, Melaka, Malaysia; Department of Mould, Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi MARA Balik Pulau, Genting, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia ' Sustainable and Responsive Manufacturing Research Group, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Technology Campus, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 75450 Hang Tuah Jaya, Melaka, Malaysia ' Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, 76100 Hang Tuah Jaya, Melaka, Malaysia

Abstract: This article aims to explore the most significant indicator and factor that drive the implementation of lean production, primarily by Malaysian manufacturers. Using a survey data from 107 respondents, the analysis disclosed that the ability to improve the quality of products, increase the productivity and the operation efficiency was the greatest impact that was achieved from the implementation of lean production practices by Malaysian manufacturers. From an exploratory factor analysis, process optimisation, layout arrangement and work organisation were understood as the main component that encourages the implementation of lean production practices. The findings was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, showing that all the practice indicators that were assessed and the factors suggested is consistent with the current practice of lean production in the population studied. This provides a valuable input in making a strategic decision in designing and implementing the realistic systems of lean production for optimum results.

Keywords: lean production; lean indicators; lean implementation; lean practices; CFA; confirmatory factor analysis; lean manufacturing; Malaysia; product quality; quality improvement; productivity; operational efficiency; process optimisation; layout design; work organisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAOM.2016.079680

International Journal of Advanced Operations Management, 2016 Vol.8 No.2, pp.105 - 139

Received: 27 Oct 2015
Accepted: 08 Aug 2016
Published online: 08 Oct 2016 *

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