ADOPTION OF LEAN MANUFACTURING PROCESSES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A CASE STUDY OF GASLAND NIGERIA LIMITED

摘要

This study explores the implementation of lean operations (LO) in Gasland Nigeria Limited (GN-Ltd) as the company gears itself towards the adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing programmes to contribute to its profitability and competitive advantage. It examines the assigned priority level of each LO in the company and identified the tools and extent to which lean operations have been adopted in a developing country such as Nigeria. Thirty four respondents from senior managers to operational staff drawn from four GN-Ltd plants participated in the study. Recorded personal observations and plant visits were also taken into account to verify study findings. The research identified the benefits from such initiatives and provided details on how they have facilitated improvements in operations and other business areas. In addition, critical factors for successful lean adoption in the company were also examined under the focus of ensuring that a full implementation of LO is achieved.