Assessment of Continuous Improvement Initiatives for Improving Performance of SMEs of Northern India—An Empirical Investigation

By : Jagdeep Singh, Harwinder Singh

Page No: 380-387

Abstract
Continuous Improvement approach is a management approach of achieving major enhancement in the process through incremental improvements in the manufacturing system processes. Continuous Improvement helps to eliminate waste in manufacturing system processes through small improvement. This study attempts to access the initiatives of continuous improvement approach, viz., Continuous Improvement system and structure, customer and supplier relationship and organization culture in SMEs (small medium enterprises) of northern India. Correlation and Multiple regressions indicate both positive and negative potential of CI initiatives on firm performance. Continuous Improvement system and structure significantly aimed at reducing product configuration based on perception of actual performance. Customer and Supplier relationship significantly aimed at improving Product Innovation of new parts and processes based perception of actual performance and Organization Culture significantly aimed at improving the product configuration.

Authors :
Jagdeep Singh : Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab.
Harwinder Singh : Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, Punjab.