Impact of Lean Manufacturing Practices on Operational Performance: A Study in Sri Lankan Apparel Sector

Abstract

This study aims to explain the impact of lean manufacturing practices onoperational performances. Cross sectional data using a survey sample of 386 managers in the apparel sector with a simple random sampling were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling. Study also has tested the criteria of goodness of fitness with absolute, parsimony and incremental fit indices. Results indicates that there is a positive impact of lean manufacturing practices towards operational performances (β=0.49). Findings add value to the theories of lean manufacturing and knowledge based view providing solid recommendations to practitioners on adopting lean manufacturing practices.