Assessing Enabling Competence of Leagile Manufacturing Model and Its Impact on Performance of Small and Medium Factories in Uganda ()
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Leagile manufacturing is one of the time-based manufacturing practices
used to improve factory performance. It is a practice that combines initiatives
of Lean and agile manufacturing under certain enabling competences. Therefore,
the purpose of this study is investigate the
combinative nature of time-based manufacturing practices under unique enabling
competences and their impact on performance of factories in Uganda. Methodology: Firstly, the underlying factor structure of competences and time-based
manufacturing was examined was conducted using Principal Component Analysis
(PCA). Enabling competences and time-base manufacturing practices were modelled
and validated for each using confirmatory factor analysis, particularly
composite reliability, average variance extracted and convergent validity. A
fully fledged structural equation model was used to test the impact of leagile
manufacturing on performance of factories. Findings: The study results
revealed that time-based manufacturing of lean, and leagile are related but
differ, in terms of their enabling competences and philosophical orientation.
The findings also revealed that when small and medium factories in Uganda adopt
leagile practice, they are likely not improve their performance. This is
perhaps due to the fact that small and medium factories have inadequate
resources. Practical Implications: The study findings shed more
insights on the factors that enable adoption and implementation of time-based
manufacturing practices. The extent to which these competences are orchestrated
determines the benefits derived from the time-based manufacturing practices. In
addition, small and medium enterprises should keenly make a choice on the
appropriate practices that purposely reduce their lead time and cost of
conversion. Originality: This study investigated the combinative nature
of time-based manufacturing practices under unique enabling competences and
their impact on performance of factories in Uganda. It is among the few studies
that provide evidence on the leagile model anchored in the appropriate enabling competences in the context of
developing countries. The empirical survey was done on small and medium
factories to validate a leagile manufacturing model and tested its impact on
factory performance.
Share and Cite:
Nagaaba, N. (2022) Assessing Enabling Competence of Leagile Manufacturing Model and Its Impact on Performance of Small and Medium Factories in Uganda.
American Journal of Operations Research,
12, 127-155. doi:
10.4236/ajor.2022.124008.