Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the adoption of Lean manufacturing (LM) contributes towards the sustainability performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a multi-case study approach conducted among five independent Indian manufacturing SMEs. The information from direct observation, structured questionnaire interviews with key persons and archival data are used to analyse and cross-check the relationship. An assessment tool, developed using the variables collected from the previous works, is used to measure the relationship.

Findings

The study provides a solid basis for the contribution and positive influence of LM towards the sustainability performance in SMEs. The manufacturing SMEs that have adopted Lean principles and practices are benefited more towards their economic, environmental and social sustainability performances, irrespective of their operational characteristics such as firm size and final product.

Research limitations/implications

This is a limited study conducted in a particular state in India by selecting only five independent case companies with divergent operational characteristics such as size of the firms, product and manufacturing process.

Originality/value

The study contributes by authorising the contribution of LM towards sustainability performance of SMEs. The findings will inspire academic community and industrial practitioners to expend for the adoption of Lean principles looking forward the sustainable development of the SMEs.

中文翻译：

---

印度制造业中小企业的多案例研究方法，以调查精益制造实践对可持续性绩效的影响

目的

本研究的目的是调查采用精益制造 (LM) 是否有助于印度中小企业 (SME) 的可持续发展绩效。

设计/方法/方法

该研究基于在五家独立的印度制造中小企业中进行的多案例研究方法。直接观察、结构化问卷采访关键人物和档案数据的信息用于分析和交叉检查关系。使用从以前工作中收集的变量开发的评估工具用于衡量这种关系。

发现

该研究为 LM 对中小企业可持续性绩效的贡献和积极影响提供了坚实的基础。采用精益原则和实践的制造业中小型企业在经济、环境和社会可持续性绩效方面受益更多，而不管其运营特征（如公司规模和最终产品）如何。

研究限制/影响

这是在印度特定州进行的一项有限研究，仅选择了五家具有不同运营特征（如公司规模、产品和制造过程）的独立案例公司。

原创性/价值

该研究通过授权 LM 对中小企业可持续发展绩效的贡献做出贡献。研究结果将激励学术界和工业从业者为采用精益原则而努力，以期中小型企业的可持续发展。