Browsing by Author "Zehrudin, Idris"

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    Aspects of Lean and Agile Manufacturing Systems and Their Appropriatness in Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2004-10) Zehrudin, Idris; Roy, R.N. (PhD)
    The thesis deals with the principles of Lean and Agile Manufacturing Systems and their appropriateness in Ethiopian context. Inflexible mass-production methods that produce voluminous of standardized products were inadequate for demands of increased variety. In pursuit of greater flexibility and elimination of manufacturing wastes, Lean Production System has been developed. More recently, demand for further responsiveness to the everchanging customer demand and turbulent business environment, led to a formulation of Agile Manufacturing concept with the intention of greater adaptability. Thus, it is necessary to study their vital principles and adopt the appropriate system to improve the competitive capability of industries. Using available literatures, Internet, industry survey and analyzing the gathered pertinent information, the thesis reviewed the main principles of lean production system. Taking authentic pilot cases, enhanced value stream map is generated and lean Manufacturing Cell for cutlery production is designed. The fundamental principles of agile manufacturing system and then, the comparison of the two systems are also discussed. Finally the suitability of these systems in Ethiopia context is analyzed. It is found that Lean Manufacturing is a collection of technical and operational systems focused on productivity improvements with limited resources (44). LPS focuses on minimizing manufacturing wastes, continuously improving methods, utilizing flexible production system to produce variety of defect-free goods. Agile manufacturing (AM), on iii the other hand, is a comprehensive manufacturing system focused on thriving in unpredictable business environment. AM focuses on enriching customers, reorganizing production system for greater flexibility, cooperation to enhance market responsiveness and increased use of Information technology. The comparison between these systems shows a difference in viewpoint and perhaps strategy with regard to change, but not in method or approach. Cases on the implementation of Lean techniques indicate that industries can enhance competitiveness by adapting Lean. The survey revealed that Industries are experiencing forces that lead to more responsiveness. More over, it is found that most industries believe that the Lean Production is more appealing in current Ethiopian Industries Situation.