Investigation into the implementation stages of manufacturing and quality techniques and philosophies within the Libyan cement industry

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation level of just‐in‐time (JIT), manufacturing resources planning (MRPII) and total quality management (TQM) within the cement industry in Libya.Design/methodology/approachThis paper covers an overview of the investigated manufacturing and quality techniques and philosophies. A survey methodology has been applied in this investigation using an intensive questionnaire to the correspondent organizations.FindingsBased on the analysis of the survey questionnaire responses, the results show that the management body does not have a clear strategy towards most of the areas that are considered as being crucial in any successful implementation of the JIT and MRPII techniques/philosophies, with slightly better results for TQM. The research has identified limitations within the investigated areas and has pointed to areas where the management should take immediate action in order to achieve successful and effective implementation of JIT, MRPII and TQM within their organisations. This is an important finding for the future success of the cement industry in particular, and the manufacturing industry in general, within Libya.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research could be applied to cover other industries, in order to investigate how widely the findings from this study are reflected in other industrial sectors within Libya.Originality/valueThis research is the first to investigate the implementation status of manufacturing, planning, control and quality techniques and philosophies within the cement industry in Libya. It makes a contribution by providing an insight into what extent JIT, MRPII and TQM are understood and implemented within the Libyan cement industry.