Lean Manufacturing and Business Performance in Brazilian Firms

In this paper, we examine the relationship among lean manufacturing management, competitive skills, and business performance from the perspective of managers of companies doing business in Brazil. We conduct a survey of 68 Brazilian companies that use lean manufacturing and analyze data using structural equation modeling based on partial least squares method. Results show, considering competitive skills as mediating variable, a positive relationship between lean manufacturing and business performance. Results also suggest that managers lack awareness about the importance of the competitive skills to enhance business performance. DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n1p91-105 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n1p91-105