Abstract :
Lean manufacturing is considered as the best manufacturing system in the 21St century. Though
a variety of World Class Manufacturing Practices have been adopted by firms all over the
world, Lean concepts have not lost their novelty as many of the new operation philosophies are
either a variant or a derivative of it. This study aims at reviewing the lean practices of SMEs
and their impact on competitive advantage and organizational performance. Data was
collected from 52 SMEs in Kerala and statistical regression proves significant relationship
between lean practices, competitive advantage and organizational performance.
Keyword :
— Lean practices, competitive advantage, organizational performance, small and medium enterprises, Supply chain practices