Implementation of advanced manufacturing technology in Pakistani small and medium enterprises: An empirical analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to develop a framework/model for the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach has been applied. This approach is subjective, as is the data collected and compared in detailed, and the outcome is only as good as the questions developed. The research methodology employed here is based on a literature survey, a model/framework and an empirical analysis using the data collection from the structured questionnaire from SMEs located in the Province of Sindh in Pakistan. Findings: There is a lack of engineering orientation, in-house expertise and organizations long-term vision to accept new technologies. The surveyed companies are giving less importance to arranging training and education facilities either in-house or out side of the companies to their employees. Also, there is a lack of incentives and rewards scheme inside the surveyed companies. Originality/value: The framework developed in this paper and findings of the research results will provides a road-map to the SMEs who are in a process of implementing AMT.