Lean adoption in a small and medium enterprise: Model validation

Globally, numerous manufacturing and service organizations are incorporating lean techniques to identify waste, eliminate non-value-added activities, and increase efficiency. Some small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have also incorporated lean principles, yet others remain laggards. There is evidence that suggests if critical success factors (CSFs) exist in SMEs, there is a higher probability of the successful implementation of lean practices. Using a case study approach regarding the successful adoption of lean practices within a SME, this paper validated and tested the credibility of a CSF model. During a 12-month consulting arrangement, the research team used formal and informal observations and interviews to collect data within the focal organization. The findings indicate that the CSFs outlined in the model were present in the SME, as was evidence of the implementation of lean practices. The CSF model can serve as a platform on which lean principals are established increasing the probability of the successful adoption of lean practices within SMEs.