Title: The interplay of technical and human lean practices in enhancing operational performance: evidence from Yemeni SMEs

Authors: Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi; Moad Hamod Saleh; Sami A.M. Moghalles

Addresses: Marketing and Production Department, Thamar University, Yemen ' Marketing and Production Department, Thamar University, Yemen ' Marketing and Production Department, Thamar University, Yemen

Abstract: The current study aims to investigate the existence of a positive interplay between technical lean practices (TLPs) and human lean practices (HLPs) in enhancing operational performance with its dimensions (quality, cost, delivery, and flexibility), in the presence of industry sector and firm size as control variables. Through data collected from 318 small and medium-sized enterprises in Yemen, the proposed model was tested. The results showed that both TLPs and HLPs have synergistic effects on all dimensions of operational performance, including cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility, regardless of firm size and industry sector. This study offers theoretical and practical insights highlighting the relevance of adopting lean manufacturing practices that maximise operational performance.

Keywords: lean manufacturing practices; technical lean practices; TLPs; human lean practices; HLPs; operational performance; SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2023.130306

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2023 Vol.14 No.3, pp.330 - 350

Received: 17 Jan 2022
Accepted: 26 Jul 2022
Published online: 17 Apr 2023 *