Business excellence via advanced manufacturing technology and lean-agile manufacturing
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 28 December 2017
Issue publication date: 2 January 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing knowledge about the relationships between advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), lean manufacturing (LM), agile manufacturing (AM), and business performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire-based survey was performed to collect data from 189 Iranian automobile part manufacturers. Statistical analysis of hypothesized relationships was conducted via partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
AMT significantly contributes to the development of both LM and AM. These manufacturing systems can co-exist in one system, and LM is a precursor to AM. LM contributes to operational performance whereas AM improves marketing performance and financial performance.
Research limitations/implications
Relying on the cross-sectional data of this research, and lack of generalizability of findings are key limitations. An interesting direction for future research would be to empirically offer a hybrid lean-agile approach and further map the mechanism through which this hybrid approach can be achieved in practice.
Practical implications
Both LM and AM are information-intensive and highly supported by AMT. They contribute to different aspects of business performance. Pursuing both cost-leadership strategy and product mix flexibility is viable via hybridizing the lean and agile systems.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to address issues related to the lean-AM relationship among developing countries. This study is unique in the sense it shows the mechanism through which the value of AMT is truly transformed to performance improvement.
Keywords
Citation
Ghobakhloo, M. and Azar, A. (2018), "Business excellence via advanced manufacturing technology and lean-agile manufacturing", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 2-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-03-2017-0049
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited