Critical Success factor of Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), Lean Practice with Thai Automotive Industry

Abstract

This study aims to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) affecting the implementation of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) and Lean Practices (LP) in the Thai automotive industry. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify potential CSFs for MBNQA and LP implementation. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire administered to 453 Thai automotive suppliers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were employed to validate the measurement model. The results reveal four CSFs for MBNQA implementation: leadership, strategy planning, customer focus, and workforce focus. Additionally, three CSFs were identified for LP implementation: continuous flow, 5S, and Total Preventive Maintenance (TPM). All factors were found to be valid and reliable based on the EFA, CFA, and reliability analyses. The findings suggest that automotive companies in Thailand should prioritize the development of strong leadership, strategic planning, customer-centricity, and workforce engagement to effectively implement the MBNQA framework. Simultaneously, they should focus on continuous flow, 5S, and TPM to successfully adopt lean practices. Managers can use these insights to allocate resources and develop targeted strategies to enhance their organization's quality management and operational performance.