Heijunka Manufacturing Methodology and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Observations by the researchers reveal that a failure by the studied manufacturing firms to effectively implement Heijunka Manufacturing Methodology pose a critical threat to maintaining production efficiency and meeting customerdemands.ThebroadobjectiveofthispaperistoexaminetherelationshipbetweenHeijunkaManufacturing Methodology and Performance of manufacturing firms in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Specifically, this study seeks to ascertain the nexus between production leveling and brand reputation. This paper is primarily anchored on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, as articulated by Teece, Pisano and Shuen (1997). Correlational research design was used for this study and a sample size of four hundred (400) obtained using Taro Yamane sampling technique was used for the study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to ascertain the relationship between the studied variables. Results obtained from a test of the hypothesis reveals a Pearson R coefficient of 0.751, indicating a strong positive relationship between production leveling and performance of the studied firms. The P-value of 0.000 reveals that the result is statistically significant at 0.05 significance level. Base on the findings of the study, the researchers concludes that the relationship between Heijunka Manufacturing Methodology and Performance of manufacturing firms in Kaduna State, Nigeria is significant and positive. Base on the findings of the study, the researchers recommend that management of the studied manufacturing firms should ensure the enactment of a manufacturing system that closely aligns with actual customer demand.