Measuring lean readiness through the understanding of quality practices in the Turkish automotive suppliers industry

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a study that evaluates the readiness level of the Turkish automotive suppliers industry (T-ASI) to provide a foundation for the successful implementation and/or sustainment of lean practices. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adapts an assessment framework developed by Al-Najem et al. (2013) to conduct the evaluation of the lean readiness (LR) of the T-ASI. Thus, the LR assessment is based on six quality practices related to lean manufacturing (LM), namely: processes; planning and control; human resources; top management and leadership; customer relations; and supplier relations. One research question and three hypotheses were formulated and tested using a combination of descriptive statistics and t-test and Levene’s tests. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire responded by 48 manufacturing organisations members of the Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers (TAYSAD). Findings – The results of the study revealed that the T-ASI has a high level of LR, especially in the areas of customer relations and top management and leadership while processes, planning and control and supplier relations still need to be enhanced. In addition, the study found that company size has no effect on the LR level of suppliers whereas supplier level and location of customers have. Practical implications – As the LR level of the T-ASI is measured, this research study increases the awareness of supplier companies with respect to complementary quality practices that support the implementation and/or sustainment of LM. Thus, managers can use this study as a platform to take better decisions regarding what quality aspects of their operations need to be enhanced to successfully deploy or sustain a lean strategy. Originality/value – This research is among the very few studies that have focused on evaluating how ready the T-ASI is to successfully implement or sustain lean practices. For this reason, this research expands the very limited existent body of knowledge of LM in the T-ASI.