A Framework for Sustainable Lean Manufacturing Implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises

Thesis Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in promoting economic growth and employment; however, their adoption of lean manufacturing practices often remains limited by resource constraints, lack of strategic frameworks, and inadequate understanding of sustainability integration. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for the sustainable implementation of lean manufacturing in SMEs, addressing the critical gap between lean principles and sustainability objectives within this sector. The specific objectives include identifying the key drivers and barriers to sustainable lean implementation, examining existing models, and proposing an integrated framework that aligns lean practices with environmental, social, and economic sustainability dimensions. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative phase involves conducting semi-structured interviews with 25 managers and lean practitioners across 10 SMEs in manufacturing sectors, supplemented by thematic analysis to identify core themes and contextual nuances influencing sustainable lean adoption. The quantitative phase employs a survey distributed to 150 SMEs selected through stratified random sampling, with 127 valid responses received, to empirically test relationships among variables such as top management support, resource availability, employee engagement, and sustainability outcomes. Data collection instruments include validated questionnaires and interview protocols, ensuring content validity and reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.75. Data analysis involves descriptive statistics to profile the sample, correlation analysis to explore relationships among key variables, and multiple regression analysis to assess the influence of antecedents on sustainable lean implementation outcomes. Additionally, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS will be employed to validate the proposed framework’s hypothesized relationships, enabling comprehensive evaluation of the model's fit and explanatory power. The theoretical underpinning of the study draws on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) to elucidate how internal capabilities and sustainable practices influence lean implementation. Expected findings indicate that organizational culture, management commitment, employee involvement, and resource support significantly impact the successful integration of lean and sustainability initiatives. The study anticipates revealing specific pathways through which SMEs can leverage internal resources and external partnerships to enhance lean efficiency while achieving environmental and social sustainability goals. The resulting framework will delineate strategic, operational, and contextual factors facilitating sustainable lean manufacturing tailored for SMEs, filling a critical gap in empirical and theoretical knowledge. This research substantially contributes to the field by offering a validated, actionable framework that guides SMEs toward sustainable lean practices, fostering competitive advantage and long-term resilience. The integration of theoretical insights and empirical evidence provides a unique foundation for policymakers, industrial managers, and academics to promote sustainable manufacturing strategies compatible with resource limitations typical of SMEs. The conclusions underscore the necessity for holistic, context-sensitive approaches that embed sustainability into lean transformation processes. The study recommends emphasizing top management commitment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and investing in employee training as primary drivers of sustainable lean adoption. Future research directions include extending the framework's applicability across different regions and industries, exploring digital transformation's role in enhancing sustainability outcomes, and longitudinal studies to assess implementation effectiveness over time. Overall, the study offers practical pathways for SMEs to operationalize sustainable lean manufacturing, ultimately fostering environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable manufacturing practices.