Business Sustainability in Post COVID-19 Era by Integrated LSS-AM Model in Manufacturing: A Structural Equation...

Area of Science:

• Industrial Engineering
• Operations Management
• Sustainable Business Practices

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the manufacturing sector, necessitating long-term sustainable business plans.
• Manufacturing requires higher customer value with reduced resources, emphasizing social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
• Existing literature lacks a clear strategic linkage between integrated Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Agile Manufacturing (AM) and sustainability pillars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an integrated model linking LSS and AM practices with the three pillars of sustainability.
• To scrutinize the relationships between integrated LSS-AM practices and economic, social, and environmental sustainability aspects.
• To investigate the impact of managerial, organizational culture, and technological practices on sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Development of a six-construct integrated model: Managerial practices (C1), Organizational culture practices (C2), Technological practices (C3), Economical Aspects (C4), Social Aspects (C5), and Environmental Aspects (C6).
• Application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique to analyze the relationships within the proposed model.
• Empirical investigation of the correlation between integrated LSS-AM practices and sustainability pillars.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between integrated LSS-AM practices and the pillars of sustainability.
• The integrated model demonstrates that LSS and AM practices contribute to improved business competitiveness.
• The study provides empirical evidence for the strategic linkage between advanced manufacturing practices and sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Integrated LSS and AM practices are crucial for achieving social, economic, and environmental sustainability in manufacturing.
• The developed structural model offers a framework for enhancing business competitiveness through sustainable manufacturing.
• This research pioneers the development of an integrated LSS-AM practices structural model focused on sustainability aspects.