Analyzing the effectiveness of lean manufacturing practices in Indian small and medium sized businesses

This research article aims to examine the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and operational performance of small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises, operating in India. Using a survey questionnaire, responses were collected from 121 manufacturing firms in India. Bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to investigate the effects of lean manufacturing methods on operational performance. Overall, the results from Indian manufacturing perspective indicate that lean strategy implementation is important predictor of operational performance. By testing the effect of lean manufacturing practices on operational performance of small-medium sized manufacturing businesses, this study shows strong foundation on lean manufacturing practices as an effective way of improving operational performance.