Driving performance: benefits of operational excellence in the automotive industry

Abstract

The rapidly growing Moroccan automotive industry faces intense global competition, demanding cutting-edge operational excellence (OpEx). A major challenge lies in understanding and concretely applying the benefits of OpEx in this specific context, particularly concerning flow and supply chain management. This study aims to explore the impact of implementing operational excellence practices on the performance of companies operating within Morocco’s automotive sector, specifically identifying the key dimensions that contribute most to this improvement and their implications for competitiveness and logistical performance. To this end, a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to 264 firms in the industry. The pilot study yielded 246 valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 93%, thereby ensuring a high level of representativeness across the sector. The reliability and validity of the measurement instruments were rigorously assessed, and data analysis was conducted using the statistical software SPSS, version 28. The findings highlight eight core dimensions identified as the most influential drivers of operational excellence in the specific context of the Moroccan automotive industry. Results indicate that the adoption of these practices leads to notable improvements in profitability, customer satisfaction, and organizational responsiveness to market shifts, particularly within logistics operations and the overall supply chain. These insights offer practical guidance for industry stakeholders aiming to strengthen long-term competitiveness and provide a valuable empirical foundation for researchers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of the tangible benefits associated with operational excellence in industrial settings, especially regarding logistics management and flow optimization.