World class manufacturing in small and medium enterprises

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in improving the national economy. In most cases, SMEs produce their own products, but at the same time they produce items for large scale industries. These create certain interdependencies among SMEs and between them and large scale industries to improve the competitiveness of SMEs. Over recent years, large scale industries have undergone many changes in their production environment by implementing World Class Manufacturing (WCM) techniques such as JIT, DE, TQM, BPR, Lean and Agile manufacturing, and technologies like FMS, CIM and OPT with the objectives of improving productivity and quality. However, the implementation of WCM techniques has not received due attention from SMEs. Realizing the importance of SMEs in the national economy, an attempt has been made in this paper to discuss the application of WCM strategies/techniques in SMEs. In this paper, a conceptual model has been developed to demonstrate the importance of best practices of manufacturing (WCM) in SMEs. Furthermore, a case experience from British SMEs is discussed. In addition, a strategic framework has been offered for improving the competitiveness of SMEs with the help of WCM strategies/methods.