This chapter presents a knowledge management and Ergonomics implementation in manufacturing systems, through the development and validation of a critical success factors questionnaire. The instrument developed measures the frequency of inclusion of critical success factors for the implementation of Ergonomics and its benefits, validated in the manufacturing industry. The frequency is based on a five-point Likert scale. So far, no instrument able to measure such factors has been found in the literature. The questionnaire comprises 73 questions presented in four main stages: planning, process startup stage, work improvement cycle and long-term development. In addition, it contains a section of benefits regarding health and safety, operational and quality of life at work. The instrument was validated through a pilot test involving 140 participants from seven companies in the manufacturing sector of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México, through the use of an intentional selective method.
TopProblem Statement
In the twenty-first century, knowledge management is a key topic for companies as it allows them to grow and increase their profit margins (Harrington & Voehl, 2007). Thus, companies have increasingly recognized the value of knowledge management (Yew Wong, 2005). Furthermore, they have placed knowledge management as an essential element to improve and maintain competitiveness in the market (Yew Wong, 2005). Today, success factors are considered part of knowledge management (Alazmi & Zairi, 2003). According to Bullen & Rockart (1981), Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are defined as those key activities in a process, which are necessary for objectives to be reached. Likewise, Gauthier & Lagacé (2015) emphasize that critical success factors are the key elements that make the difference between success and failure in projects.
Currently, it is a common view that companies pursuing competitive advantage need to improve their performance by providing more human-compatible working systems, which results in a decrease in health and safety problems (Fernandez, Marley, Noriega, & Ibarra, 2010). Ergonomics is a good way to provide compatibility between human and working systems. Regarding the CSF concept, several authors have identified factors that lead to a successful implementation of Ergonomics. For example, the management’s commitment, rewards to workers, communication and feedback on tasks delivered, and training are all CSFs that contribute to a safe work environment (Vredenburgh, 2002). In addition, investigations have found some benefits of Ergonomics such as a more comfortable work environment, a decrease in the accident rate, chronic fatigue, and the related costs of waste and rework, an increase in morale, productivity and good product quality (Beevis, 2003; Rajanen, 2003; Rensink & van Uden, 2006).