Critical success factors and impending factors for implementing change methods in small and medium scale automobile manufacturing plants

Abstract Auto giants like Honda, Ford, Tata and General motors have their manufacturing base in Gujarat. As a result of backward integration very high number of auto ancillaries and OEM units are established in Gujarat. These units manufacture auto parts for Indian and Foreign market. Prospects for implementing lean six sigma in Gujarat based auto ancillaries/OEM were examined in this research work. Important critical success factors and impending factors for LSS implementation were derived by combined approach of literature survey and field work. Database of Elsevier, Taylor and Francis and Emerald was used to investigate important CSFS for LSS implementation. 32 auto manufacturing units were visited and structured interviews were carried out with top and middle management persons.22 critical success factors were identified out of which 12 factors make 75% of total occurrence. These factors are not industry specific but the weightage of particular critical success factor may changes as the type of industry changes. Five Important CSFs are management commitment, LSS training, Project prioritization, cultural change and organization infrastructure. Important impending factors are shortage of experts, family owned business model, longer implementation phase and lack of fund.