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A continuous improvement implementation framework for manufacturing companies: a Delphi study-based approach for development and validation

Richard Scott McLean (Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK)
Jiju Antony (Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes (Centre for Supply Chain Improvement, The University of Derby, Derby, UK) (Department of Management Studies, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, India)
Ashutosh Samadhiya (Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India)

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

ISSN: 0265-671X

Article publication date: 28 February 2023

Issue publication date: 24 October 2023

227

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the absence of industry and region-specific implementation guides, change efforts, in particular continuous improvement implementations, continue to report high failure rates. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to present a finalised implementation framework specifically tailored for manufacturing companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework derived from the existing literature is validated, through a Delphi study, by an expert panel to review its content and suitability for a practical application.

Findings

This paper proposes a finalised framework tailored to the practical needs of users. The results of the Delphi approach offer a phased implementation framework that provides an overview of the implementation process of continuous improvement initiatives and the key activities involved. The framework is suitable for use by both business leaders and continuous improvement practitioners with varying degrees of previous implementation experience.

Research limitations/implications

The research was carried out in the UK and is specifically focused on the manufacturing industry. It is therefore not clear the applicability of the framework presented to other regions and industries. The framework, although validated through several phases of research, still requires practical application and testing.

Originality/value

Business leaders and continuous improvement practitioners will benefit from having the necessary content presented in a manner that will promote its practical application. It has also been demonstrated that the framework is robust in its content, incorporating the literature findings as well as the experience of an expert panel encompassing 20 people.

Keywords

Citation

McLean, R.S., Antony, J., Garza-Reyes, J.A. and Samadhiya, A. (2023), "A continuous improvement implementation framework for manufacturing companies: a Delphi study-based approach for development and validation", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 40 No. 9, pp. 2222-2246. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-04-2021-0096

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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