A readinesss for innovation survey of Indonesian SMEs in the metal sector

This paper reports key results from research aimed at developing a framework to introduce Lean Six Sigma into Indonesian SMEs operating in the metal industries sector. Data was collected in Indonesia through interviews with various stakeholders and a questionnaire survey (N=148) completed by owners or senior managers of SMEs in the metal industry. In this paper we focus on the development, administration and results of the questionnaire survey. The survey results indicated that the small size of many SMEs, together with the low use of improvement tools and information technology, present challenges to successful implementation. However, questionnaire respondents were reasonably optimistic about the success of an innovation like Lean Six Sigma and reported encouraging levels of management and employee commitment to such a change. Respondents reported that they were most influenced by their key customers and by other SMEs when making a decision about adopting an innovation like Lean Six Sigma.