Title: Barriers affects application of lean practices and financial performance in Mexican manufacturing SMEs

Authors: Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán

Addresses: Departamento de Mercadotecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Av. Universidad 940, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 20100 Aguascalientes, México

Abstract: In the literature, emphasis has been placed on identifying the barriers that affect the application of lean practices, in order to improve financial performance. However, only a limited number of studies have focused on the analysis of the barriers that limit the application of lean practices in SMEs, in addition to the fact that most of these studies have focused on the application of a methodology of lean studies individual cases. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the status of the application of lean practices, as well as their barriers and financial benefits in manufacturing SMEs in Mexico. The results obtained suggest that technical and human barriers have effects on the application of lean practices and on financial performance, in turn, lean practices also have effects on the financial performance of SMEs.

Keywords: lean; lean barriers; lean practices; financial performance; manufacturing industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBE.2024.139787

International Journal of Business Environment, 2024 Vol.15 No.3/4, pp.247 - 264

Received: 28 Oct 2022
Accepted: 24 Apr 2023
Published online: 05 Jul 2024 *

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