The Critical Success Factors and Barriers of Lean in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Review

• In Event: QUALITY MANAGEMENT and LEAN OPERATIONS: Lean Management and Process Control

Abstract

Although Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are considered pivotal in a successful lean implementation, the literature shows limited studies that analyze the CSFs in depth. In light of this gap, this study explores the CSFs and barriers of lean production in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study reveals that management commitment, leadership, employee commitment and engagement, and knowledge of lean tools are the most frequently used CSFs in the previous literature. This study also shows that the first four barriers are resistance to change, lack of training and knowledge, lack of leadership commitment and support, and lack of resources.

Authors

• Kubra Gurtas, Middle East Technical University

• Arsev Umur Aydinoglu, Middle East Technical University

• Fatma Pakdil, Eastern Connecticut State U