Determinants and Barriers to Lean Implementation in Food Processing SMEs - A Multiple Case Analysis

Sep 4, 2026

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This study explored contextual and determining factors shaping lean manufacturing adoption in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food processing sector. A multiple-case-study approach provided in-depth understanding of shop-floor realities. Industry-specific features—mandatory quality assurance, short food shelf-life, and highly volatile demand and supply—create barriers to lean implementation. The research also highlights that managing organizational “change” in SMEs differs from large-company contexts, where plant size, traditional setups, and inflexible layouts hinder lean uptake.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatDOCX

Pages32

Reading Time11 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Research context and editorial motivation

Lean implementation challenges in food processing SMEs

Industry-specific contextual factors and study contribution

Determinants and Barriers to Lean Implementation in Food Processing SMEs- A Multiple Case Analysis Manoj Doraa, Maneesh Kumarb, Xavier Gellyncka aGhent University, Belgium bCardiff University, UK Abstract This study explored contextual or determining factors and their impacts on lean manufacturing in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in food processing industries. In order to get an in-depth insight of the real situation at the work floor this study adopted a multiple-case-study research approach. The inherent characteristics of food industries, such as mandatory quality assurance requirements, low shelf-life of the food products and the extremely volatile demand and supply presented barriers to lean manufacturing adoption. In addition, the challenges of “change” in an SME environment are distinct from those faced by large organizations. The small size of the plant, the traditional setup and inflexible layout make it difficult to implement lean in food processing SMEs. The knowledge of contextual factors influencing lean manufacturing adoption in food processing SMEs will be a contribution to current knowledge. Many studies have explored lean constructs and tools, while far fewer have explored the crucial element of actually implementing these. The study will also help practitioners to anticipate potential obstacles and take proper measures to deal with them during lean implementation. Keywords Lean manufacturing, food processing industries, SMEs, determining factors Introduction Editorial of this journal emphasized the need for more exploratory case research to get a better insight on industry specific contextual factors, especially when applying a new technology or management practice ADDIN EN.CITE Childe20111262(Childe 2011a)1262126217Childe, Stephen J.Case studies in operations managementProduction Planning & ControlProduction Planning & Control107-10722220112011/03/01Taylor & Francis0953-7287http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2011.55473610.1080/09537287.2011.5547362015/04/11( HYPERLINK \l "_ENREF_23" \o "Childe, 2011 #1262" Childe 2011a). Childe in his editorial remark highlighted that the researcher should work closely with industries to develop an understanding of the challenges faced by industries while implementing such practices ADDIN EN.CITE Childe20111228(Childe 2011b)1228122817Childe, Stephen J.What are the hot topics in the management of operations?Production Planning & ControlProduction Planning & Control611-61122720110953-7287( HYPERLINK \l "_ENREF_24" \o "Childe, 2011 #1228" Childe 2011b). Henceforth, this study explored the crucial element of lean implementation i

FAQs

What does the study investigate about lean manufacturing in food processing SMEs?

The study examines contextual or determining factors and how they impact lean manufacturing adoption in food processing SMEs. It focuses on real conditions at the work floor through multiple cases.

What barriers to lean implementation are highlighted for food processing industries?

Barriers include mandatory quality assurance requirements, low shelf-life of food products, and extremely volatile demand and supply. These conditions make lean adoption difficult.

How is “change” in an SME environment different from large organizations, according to the introduction?

The introduction states that challenges of change in SMEs are distinct from those faced by large organizations. Smaller plants and traditional, inflexible layouts further complicate implementation.

Sep 4, 2026

Upload by Rizky