Conceptual paper on the impact of lean manufacturing practices on sustainability performance in Sri Lankan Western province SMES

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing vital role in any present society. Actually, it can be identified as the backbone of economic growth of any economy. In Sri Lanka over 85 percent of businesses are SMEs which contribute to generate employment, accelerate economic growth and reduce poverty, income inequality, inflation and balance of payment. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual framework where the investigation can be made on the impact of lean manufacturing practices (flow management, process management, customer management, supplier management and workforce management) on sustainability performance (economic, environmental, and social). Since the majority of SMEs are established in Western province and considering the time and data availability constraints, this study suggests a data collection of 100 SMEs in Western province for the sample using a structured questionnaire. Then the hypotheses will be tested using structural equation modeling. Final outcome of the study will be a support for both academic and industry experts, especially where the managers will be able to get the support of their stakeholders to implement lean by convincing their stakeholders.