ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the background and challenges facing manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in terms of the productivity of their businesses. The element of work study dynamics is examined in terms of work measurement and method study tools that positively contribute to the productivity of SMEs. These dynamics were employed to accelerate the operational use of input resource factors such as physical capital, technological capital, and management for the improvement of productivity and competitiveness in SMEs in South Africa and abroad. Areas of the manufacturing process where these factors are applied were influenced by management’s manufacturing capabilities along with adding-value activities in the country.
Case studies were conducted, reinforcing the importance of measuring and improving productivity. Based on case studies of the manufacturing process, it can be seen that management failed to incorporate capabilities and adding-value activities essential to improve productivity. Despite capabilities and adding-value activities implemented by management, the unavailability of work study in the manufacturing process delayed the improvement of productivity. In view of the challenges identified within the literature review discussed and the case studies used, the research study suggests that future research be done using longitudinal study methods in order to compare the results before, during, and after.
