Effect of gemba on muda and economic sustainability in the Mexican maquiladora industry

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationships between Gemba (GEM), Muda identification (MUD), and Economic Sustainability (ECS) in the maquiladora industry in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) using a structural equation model evaluated by partial least squares (PLS-SEM). Three hypotheses were proposed and validated using data from 834 responses to a questionnaire administered to managers, engineers, and supervisors. The results indicate that GEM has a direct effect on MUD (β=0.642, p<0.001), explaining 41.3% of its variance; GEM directly impacts ECS (β=0.296) and indirectly through MUD (β=0.260), generating a total effect of β=0.557; and MUD affects ECS (β=0.405, p<0.001). A probability-based sensitivity analysis indicated that the probability of high MUD given that high GEM had occurred was 63.9%, whereas the probability of obtaining high ECS given that high MUD had occurred was 61.1%. These results empirically validate the Toyota principle of genchi genbutsu and demonstrate that MUD partially mediates the relationship between GEM and ECS. Managers should prioritize GEM in the early stages of lean implementation and invest in training to identify waste, given its linear and predictable effect on ECS.