Development of assessment methodology for improving performance in SME's
International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
ISSN: 1741-0401
Article publication date: 8 April 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector.
Design/methodology/approach
This area of the study focuses on the assessment of performance in manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains qualitative and quantitative measures that can quantify the opportunities and benefits within SMEs, as well as identifying the performance gaps between the current performance of the company and world-class performance. This includes reviewing the literature relating to assessment methodology and collecting data by carrying out semi-structured interviews with staff at target SMEs.
Findings
The results show that the proposed assessment methodology is effective in identifying hidden opportunities and benefits in the manufacturing SMEs sector, establishing world-class performance of the companies and comparing this with current performance in order to identify gaps in performance in manufacturing SMEs.
Practical implications
This assessment can be used for monitoring and assessing SMEs performance. The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as an assessment and benchmarking tool. It enables manufacturing SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and determine the gaps in current performance; this will assist manufacturing SMEs in selecting an appropriate tool to improve their performance in order to achieve the company objectives.
Originality/value
This paper presents a successful and effective assessment methodology for manufacturing SMEs. It measures current performance which will provide a useful indicator to identify waste. It attempts to improve company performance and suggests how such activities could be organised and managed more effectively. Consequently it leads to a high potential for cost and time saving and quality improvement.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the three companies who have agreed to take part in this study. The work was supported by the Libyan Ministry of Higher Education.
Citation
Munir Ahmad, M. and Alaskari, O. (2014), "Development of assessment methodology for improving performance in SME's", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 63 No. 4, pp. 477-498. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2013-0108
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited