Modeling the performance measures of world class manufacturing using interpreting structural modeling

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the performance measures of world class manufacturing (WCM) and to establish relationship among them using interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Design/methodology/approach – The research paper presents a blend of theoretical framework and practical applications. In the paper, 16 performance measures are identified from literature survey and experts’ opinion, and then these are validated by questionnaire survey in India. Finally, ISM is used to obtain structural relationship among these performance measures of WCM. Findings – The results of the survey and the ISM methodology have been used to evolve the mutual relationships among these performance measures. Practical implications – The adoption of such an ISM-based model on WCM performance measures in manufacturing organizations would help managers, decision-makers and practitioners of WCM in better understanding of these performance measures and to focus on appropriate performance measures while implementing WCM in their organizations. Originality/value – Performance measures are of paramount importance for the implementation of WCM practices. Knowing the key performance measures and relationship among them can help many organizations to implement WCM practices. It is one of the foremost attempts to model performance measures of WCM. The paper provides useful insights into the WCM practitioners, consultants and researchers.