Evaluation of critical success factors (CSFs) to lean implementation in Moroccan SMEs: A survey study

Abstract

For several decades, many companies of different sizes have implemented the principles of lean production due to the elimination of all non-value added and unprofitable activities to the companies. Several improvements and benefits have been made and derived, but they have also faced several difficulties. This article aims to assess the status of the understanding of lean manufacturing, the reasons for implementation, and the key success factors necessary for long-term sustainable growth and any implementation of lean manufacturing in small and medium-sized enterprises. The research is structured in two phases. First, to identify and define these factors, we identified an initial list of 16 factors based on the analysis of previous studies and through an extensive literature review. Subsequently, a statistical analysis based on a questionnaire survey was used to assess lean perception, reasons for implementation, and the degree of importance of these factors for successful lean implementation. The results of this research indicate that 27% of Moroccan professionals defined lean production as a way to “eliminate waste” as a first classification. The main reason for implementation declared by the respondents is the improvement of customer performance (73,1 %), followed by business project (56,4%). Finally, the survey indicates that the success of the lean implementation depends mainly on human elements, such as involvement and commitment of the Top management which was ranked first with an average of 4.44, followed by ‘Involvement and participation of employees’ (4.40), ‘Communication within the company (Goals, Objectives, Vision, etc.)’ (4.38), etc.