Maturity analysis of manufacturing cells

Abstract

The main objective of this exploratory research was to develop and validate a model to measure the maturity of manufacturing cells that operate according to the lean philosophy. A theoretical model was constructed based on parameters from the literature and information provided by a panel of experts. Using a questionnaire based on this theoretical model, a survey of 101 cell managers was carried out and the data collected were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that the maturity of a manufacturing cell can be measured using the three constructs ‘Employee Knowledge and Skills’, ‘Quality and Continuous Improvement’ and ‘Cell Configuration’. Of these, the second had the greatest impact on cell maturity. The results also show that a fourth construct, ‘Leadership, Autonomy and Communication’, influences maturity indirectly. These findings may be used by managers of manufacturing cells and by researchers.

Keywords:

• Lean manufacturing
• production management
• structural equation modeling

Note

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Each company should define their level of excellence, according to their particularities.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) under Grant [2015/23667-6], and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes) under Grant [33003017].

Notes on contributors

Izabela S. Rampasso

Izabela S. Rampasso holds B.Sc. in Economic Sciences from the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas. She holds M.Sc. from the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP). Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate of the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Rosley Anholon

Rosley Anholon is currently a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Campinas and is experienced in the fields of Quality Management, Production Systems and Entrepreneurship. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Dirceu da Silva

Dirceu Silva holds a degree in Physics from the University of São Paulo (1981), Master’s degree in Physics from the University of São Paulo (1989) and Ph.D. in Education from the University of São Paulo (1995). He has experience in Administration, focusing on Business Administration, environment and sustainability and production management on the following subjects: numeric and statistics methods and multivariate data analysis. He is professor at University of Campinas (UNICAMP).

Robert E. C. Ordóñez

Robert E. C. Ordoñez is currently an assistant professor at the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Materials, University of Campinas, Brazil and is experienced in the fields of product development, project management and production systems in industry. He holds a B.Sc. from Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Colombia and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from University of Campinas, Brazil. Professor Cooper teaches courses on manufacturing engineering, project management and sustainability. His main research activity is on project management, product life cycle management and Industry 4.0.

Osvaldo L. G. Quelhas

Osvaldo L. G. Quelhas is a Professor at the Fluminense Federal University at the School of Engineering, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State. Coordinates LATEC/UFF (Laboratory of Technology, Business Management and Environment), Coordinator of the Doctorate in Sustainable Management Systems, Vice Coordinator of the Master’s Degree Professional in Management Systems of the Department of Production Engineering. Editor of the Brazilian Journal of Operations and Production Management (ISSN: 2237-8960)/ABEPRO (Since 2015). President of ABEPRO (Production Engineering Association) in the 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 terms. He is also a researcher in Production Management, Sustainable Production and Organizational Social Responsibility.