An investigation of agile manufacturing enablers in Indian automotive SMEs using structural equation model

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the agile manufacturing practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the auto-ancillary sector spread across eastern India. Using statistical method, a number of crucial insights have been captured and discussed in detail. Design/methodology/approach A structural equation model (SEM) encapsulating pertinent agile manufacturing attributes and enablers as the focal construct is conceptualized and validated in this research. The SEM model is evolved in a manner that agile attributes and agile enablers are modeled as latent dependent and manifest variable, respectively. Findings A number of key hypothesis entailing interactions of key agility enablers, i.e. manufacturing responsiveness agility, manufacturing strategy agility, workforce agility, technology agility, manufacturing management agility, etc. are conceptualized and validated. Originality/value The authors specifically focus on evolving agile manufacturing framework (characterized by agility enablers and attributes) that lies at the intersection of SMEs, automotive sector and an emerging economy.