Enterprise-wide diagnostic in the UK SME: focus beyond tools and techniques. Issue 9 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kumar, Maneesh; Harris, Irina
• Is Part Of: Production planning & control. Volume 32:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 730
• Page End: 746
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: SME -- enterprise-wide -- diagnostic -- case study -- framework; Production planning -- Periodicals; Production control -- Periodicals; 658.5
• DOI: 10.1080/09537287.2020.1758822
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-7287

Abstract

Abstract: The paper proposes a theoretical framework that integrates the harder aspects of enterprise-wide diagnostic methodology, that is tools and techniques, with softer issues to understand and analyze enterprise-wide issues in the UK manufacturing SME. Enterprise-wide diagnostics application that considers hard and soft practices for managing change in an SME context is less evident in the literature and practice. A case study was conducted in the selected SME and data triangulation was achieved through on-site observations, interviews, and company reports. The use of the integrated framework, influenced by Watson, led to the identification of several gaps between the three levels- enterprise, business, and operations, that were impacting on demand management and capacity planning. The paper demonstrates the benefits of conducting enterprise-wide diagnostic as a first step to enhance better integration between organizational levels and departments when embarking on continuous improvement journey.