Conditions for Continuous Improvement in the Operation of Manufacturing Enterprises
Conditions for Continuous Improvement in the Operation of Manufacturing Enterprises
Purpose – The article endeavors to achieve the following objectives: 1) delineate the current role and significance of continuous improvement in the operations of manufacturing enterprises, considering an evaluation of the extent to which this concept is implemented; 2) determine how CI is understood and what activities CI is aimed at; 3) ascertain the degree of utilization of improvement methods and techniques; 4) indication of factors hindering the use of CI in manufacturing enterprises in Poland.
Design/methodology/approach – The research comprised two distinct phases. The initial phase involved a comprehensive literature analysis, facilitating the formulation of a structured questionnaire. The subsequent segment employed a quantitative approach, employing the telephone interview technique. A total of 70 manufacturing companies based in Poland actively participated in this research endeavor.
Findings – The undertaken research underscores that continuous improvement (CI) in manufacturing enterprises is primarily used as a principle within quality management and as a management philosophy, while its role in perfecting methods and techniques is less significant. Definitions of CI are mainly understood as actions aimed at fulfilling customer requirements, changing production processes, and implementing pro-ecological changes. The most frequently used CI methods are standardized quality management systems, whereas lean manufacturing and Six Sigma are the least used and considered least effective. Factors hindering CI include ambiguous decision-making and a lack of integration with company strategy, emphasizing the need for strong management leadership.
Research limitations – An inherent limitation of the conducted research pertains to its sample size, which comprised 70 companies exclusively operating within the geographical confines of Poland.
Originality/value – The issues presented in this study represent a novel exploration, as empirical research on these aspects among manufacturing companies in Poland has not been previously undertaken. This contributes to delineating the present state and developmental trajectory of this approach within the specified context
Continuous Improvement (CI), Quality Management, Continuous Improvement Techniques
