The Impact of Lean Manufacturing on Achieving Competitive Advantage: A Field Study at National Dairy and Food Company (NADFOOD) in Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of lean manufacturing on achieving competitive advantage at the National Dairy and Food Company (NADFOOD) in Hodeidah Governorate, Republic of Yemen. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach. The study population consisted of all employees at the National Dairy and Food Company (NADFOOD) in Hodeidah Governorate, totaling (109) employees. A comprehensive census method was utilized for data collection via a questionnaire, and the data were statistically processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS.V-26). The results of the study revealed that NADFOOD demonstrates a high level of commitment to competitive advantage across all its dimensions, as well as a moderately high commitment to implementing lean manufacturing across all its dimensions. Furthermore, the findings indicated a statistically significant positive impact of lean manufacturing on achieving competitive advantage at NADFOOD. The impact of the individual dimensions of lean manufacturing on achieving competitive advantage varied; Total Productive Maintenance was the most influential dimension, followed by Just-in-Time production, and then Continuous Improvement. Conversely, the statistical analysis showed no significant impact of the Workplace Organization dimension on achieving competitive advantage. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing lean manufacturing practices, as they enable organizations to reduce costs, improve quality, provide flexibility to keep pace with changes, and ensure timely delivery—ultimately boosting the competitive advantage of the company under study.