THE EFFICACY OF LEAN MANUFACTURING ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE. A
CASE STUDY OF ZIMBABWEAN BEVERAGES MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

THE EFFICACY OF LEAN MANUFACTURING ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE. A
CASE STUDY OF ZIMBABWEAN BEVERAGES MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

JULIUS MANGENA

DELIGHT RUFARO HUNGWE

MERCY DUBE

SINOTHANDO TSHUMA

The impact of Lean Manufacturing (LM) on organisational performance is an ongoing
discussion globally. Zimbabwean companies have implemented LM tools for operational
performance across various industries. The Beverage industry has also been identified to be
focusing on initiatives such as developing products that are less expensive, sell better and faster
for it to remain competitive and reclaiming market shares, sales revenue and profitable in
today's global market. The primary goal of this study was to determine the efficacy and viability
of lean manufacturing processes at Zimbabwean Beverages production plants. The study used
a qualitative research methodology, which yielded in-depth, detailed and rich data from human
viewpoints and experiences resulting in a realistic understanding that was interpreted using the
participants' social and cultural context. A total of thirty participants were purposeful selected
based on their knowledge of the phenomenon under investigation. Physical face-to-face
interviews, Ms team interviews, and focus groups responded to semi-structured interviews in
data collection. Document analysis was used to collect data. The study found out that
Zimbabwean Companies have not fully adopted lean manufacturing because of scepticism
from management on the cost involved and the fear of losing jobs by the shop floor workers.
The study however unearthed that manufacturing companies would benefit from lean
manufacturing principles performance. Overwhelming evidence availed was that by
implementing lean tools such as JIT methods, the organizations would be able to cut waste,
reduce inventory holding costs and develop supplier relationships. TPM and VSM were found
to have the potential to improve productivity and quality. The study recommends that suitable
training programs should be designed to provide management with knowledge and skills to
apply the positive traits to incorporate the lean concept into the organizations. and through buy-
in from shop floor workforce increase company performance.

ZIBEM

2024