Research Article
Dametew AW, Kitaw D, Ebinge
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated continuous improvement model so as to improving the global competitiveness of basic metal industries. The study concerned on the Ethiopian basic metal-manufacturing firms, with a special emphasis on the medium and large manufacturing industries. However, basic metal industries occupy a prominent position in the development agenda of many developing countries like Ethiopia. Hence, this study investigated the role of continuous improvement for global competition of basic metal industries, so as to tackle global competition problems on the firms. From numerous contentious improvements, we have to emphasis integrated JIT and TQM implementation on basic metal industries to improve competitive performance. The survey study is conduct through field observation, literature review of research articles, books, magazines, manuals, company report and electronic-sources which are analysis. A case study also conducted at Kaliti Metal Products Factory. The survey data is analyzed using descriptive analysis, SPCT (fishbone diagram). At literature level, the global competitiveness of Ethiopian economy was assessed and the current trends of continuous improvement tools implementation for global competitiveness of basic metal industries was analyzed. Poor supply chain system, manpower, raw material problems, energy fluctuation, outdated technology, manufacturing systems, financial and logistics problems are identified as the obstacles and influence the Ethiopian basic metal industry performance and global competitiveness. Based on the investigations an integrated continuous improving models are developed so as to improve the performance and global competitiveness of basic metal industries.