Macarena Sacristán-Díaz

Learning on lean: a review of thinking and research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of research on lean production (LP) since the concept was developed at the end of the 1980s with the aim of developing a model that permits an extended and comprehensive understanding of LP.Design/methodology/approach – A literature survey of peer reviewed journal articles and paradigmatic books with managerial impact is employed as the research methodology.Findings – The findings derived from the evaluation of the publications analysed have led to the creation of an extended model of LP. Specifically, two new groups of factors to be taken into account in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of LP are presented. Apart from internal aspects at the shop floor level and value chain elements, the model provided includes work organisation and the impact that the geographical context has on LP. In addition, the critical assessment of publications has allowed a number of specific aspects to be identified for which there is no empirical evide...

Cooperation in the supply chain and lean production adoption

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact of the level of cooperation in the supply chain on lean production (LP) adoption. The effect of the level of cooperation with both suppliers and customers with regards to the intensity of LP adoption is examined, as is the joint effect of cooperation and information integration with customers.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis is carried out on a sample of 84 manufacturing plants that are first tier suppliers to original equipment manufacturers in the Spanish automotive industry. Data were gathered from plant CEOs via a combination of regular mail, e‐mail and internet‐based survey methods. Data are analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression.Findings – The results show that while greater levels of cooperation with suppliers do not impact on the intensity of LP adoption, greater levels of cooperation with customers do have a significant effect. Also, the greater the cooperation with customers and the mor...

What can we learn from the evolution of research on lean management assessment

Empirical evidence shows that profitability does not always rise when lean management (LM) is implemented. This paper reviews the literature that has empirically analysed how LM impacts financial performance in order to identify the most used assessment model and the direction and significance of the findings. We have found that the most comprehensive models, those considering financial and operational indicators and contextual factors, find a positive and significant impact of LM on financial performance. These findings can benefit managers requiring an assessment of LM and the building of an evaluation system and can serve as a guideline for monitoring LM implementation.

Improving supply chain responsiveness through Advanced Manufacturing Technology: the mediating role of internal and external integration

Abstract Responsiveness is one of the key performance factors that firms need to face up to the challenges posed by today’s markets. Many manufacturing firms are investing in advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) with a view to improving competitiveness. However, empirical evidence shows that investments in AMT alone do not lead to improvements in performance. In this study, a model that links AMT implementation and responsiveness through internal integration and external integration is proposed. A sample of 441 Spanish industrial companies was used to test the model through structural equation modelling. The findings highlight that internal integration needs to be supplemented with external integration in order to ensure that the implementation of AMT will result in improved responsiveness. Supply chain managers should focus on integration within the supply chain – firstly internal and later external – to obtain returns on investments in AMT in the form of improved flexibility and more reliable and faster deliveries.

The effects of teaching and assessment methods on academic performance: a study of an Operations Management course

Whether the use of more active teaching–learning methods has a positive impact on academic performance remains unanswered. This article seeks to contribute to the issue by conducting a study of an Operations Management course with almost 1000 students per year over three consecutive academic years. The study compares three scenarios with differing degrees of student involvement and Information Technology usage. The findings show no differences in terms of exam grades, but there is an increase in the percentage of passes in the most active scenario analysed, in which continuous assessment tests are used. Notwithstanding, student involvement in the optional assessable activities was found to be a significant factor for predicting the likelihood of passing the subject, especially when continuous assessment tests are used, since their grades show a higher correlation with exam grades.

SEIS SIGMA EN PYMES CON BAJO VOLUMEN DE PRODUCCIÓN. UNA EXPERIENCIA DE ÉXITO EN AERONÁUTICA

Six Sigma is currently one of the most powerful tools that exists for quality improvement. Designed for highly repetitive and high volume production manufacturing processes, it has been adopted by leading large organisations in many different sectors all around the world. Our goal is to study its applicability to SMEs with low production volumes and identify key success factors and obstacles to its implementation. The methodology followed is Action Research in an SME in the aeronautics sector using the DMAIC improvement cycle applied to a specific Six Sigma project. The results confirm Six Sigma’s applicability and suggest that success depends on key factors, such as the team’s commitment, the availability of resources and prior learning.