5S use in manufacturing plants: contextual factors and impact on operating performance
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 26 January 2010
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between 5S use, contextual factors and performance. The contextual factors comprise structural features of the firm, environment, human resources and technology and quality management. The performance measures refer to improvements in productivity, quality, employee satisfaction, lead time and new product design.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was conducted in 203 Spanish manufacturing plants, with personnel interviewees. The hypotheses proposed were verified using correlation analysis and analysis of variance.
Findings
The results show the existence of a positive relationship between the use of 5S and some contextual factors such as size, the integration of the plant in a multinational group, the type of product manufactured, the technology used and the quality programmes in the plant. Moreover, 5S is positively related to some operational performance measures, especially those referring to quality and productivity.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the scarce empirical literature analysing the factors related to the use of 5S and its association with manufacturing performance.
Keywords
Citation
Bayo‐Moriones, A., Bello‐Pintado, A. and Merino‐Díaz de Cerio, J. (2010), "5S use in manufacturing plants: contextual factors and impact on operating performance", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 217-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711011014320
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited