Lean readiness level within Kuwaiti manufacturing industries

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a measurement framework to evaluate the lean readiness level (LRL) and lean systems (LS) within Kuwaiti small and medium-sized manufacturing industries (K-SMMIs). A measurement framework which encompasses the quality practices related to LS (processes; planning and control; human resources; top management and leadership; customer relations; and supplier relations) is used to assess the quality practices in K-SMMIs and determine whether they have the foundation to implement LS. Design/methodology/approach - The authors conducted a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured interviews with 27 senior managers, and a quantitative survey administered to 50 K-SMMIs. The responses were entered into SPSS software to conduct a reliability test and independent sample t-test. Findings - The results indicate that current quality practices within K-SMMIs are not very supportive towards LS. Many factors are revealed to affect K-SMMIswith respect to LS, including language barriers, and deficiencies in aspects including quality workers in terms of education and skills; technology; government attention; know-how regarding LS; market competitiveness; and urgency for adopting LS. Research limitations/implications - Very limited information is available on LS and QI in Kuwait. The LRL framework should be tested in small and medium-sized manufacturing industries (SMMIs) that successfully use LS, in order to provide a benchmark. The study's findings can be used as an internal checklist prior to and during lean implementation. Originality/value - This LS and LRL measurement framework relating to K-SMMIs represents a unique effort in the area of lean management.