Abstract number = 007-0153 Lean manufacturing principles: Are Venezuelan firms applying them?

Lean manufacturing principles are being applied by many successful enterprises all around the world. This paper, based on a sample of 30 Venezuelan manufacturing firms, analyzes the lean manufacturing practices currently used by these firms. Data has been gathered thanks to the questionnaire prepared for the fourth edition of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS), a tool that periodically surveys manufacturing firms about their manufacturing and supply chain strategies, practices and performance. This IMSS edition has focused on industrial firms manufacturing machinery, electric and electronic devices, medical and optical equipment, all kinds of vehicles and, in general, metal parts and components. We have chosen the answers related to lean aspects in order to see how far these subjects have been adopted by Venezuelan firms. Results show that, even if there is room to improvement opportunities, Venezuelan firms are adapting lean practices to an environment characterized by constraints in international merchandising exchange. Venezuel