Afy-Shararah, MohamedSalonitis, KonstantinosRajab, Sulaiman2023-11-132023-11-132022-07-017https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/69659Objective of the Research: The purpose of this research is to investigate Industry 4.0 implementation barriers in Small and Medium-Sized enterprises within the manufacturing sector in developing countries. One of the objectives driving this research is the exploration of associations between Industry 4.0 enablers and lean manufacturing. Further, the research aims to construct a framework guiding stakeholders in implementing Industry 4.0 by overcoming common barriers cited by experts in the field. Research Problems: The main problem driving this research is the dearth of information on Industry 4.0 implementation in developing countries. Simultaneously, little research has been conducted to identify the barriers of industry 4.0 in SMEs within manufacturing realms in emerging economies. Inadequate research investigated the associations between lean manufacturing and industry 4.0 implementation. Methodology: This is a mixed methods research study. On the qualitative side, focus groups are used to collect open-ended responses to questions related to barriers facing the adoption of Industry 4.0. Quantitatively, Interpretive Structural Modelling is used to construct the framework driving stakeholders’ decisions to adopt and implement industry 4.0. Further, survey research is used to validate experts' opinions on the utility of the ISM based model. In sum, three distinct data collection techniques were used: (a) focus groups, (b) descriptive data for interpretive structural modeling, and (c) survey responses. Based on the quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, a series of data analysis strategies were followed. Key Findings: The current study reported strong associations linking Industry 4.0 enablers and lean manufacturing outcomes. On the one hand, the use of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) improved customers’ connectivity and engagement in each stage of the sustainable manufacturing process. Thereby, improving customer satisfaction, a key element in measuring lean manufacturing. Additionally, the deployment of cyber security as well as cloud computing technology facilitates the transfer and storage of information minimizing the wasteful utilization of physical and technical infrastructure, and manifestation of lean manufacturing practices. By the same token, the increasing use of simulation and analytics technology minimizes the reliance on manning thereby reducing further waste, the purpose of lean manufacturing. Implications of the Research: Results of the ISM model were validated by using a questionnaire showing the reliability and validity of the ISM constructed model that has been adopted as the accepted framework guiding Industry 4.0 implementation. The proposed framework in this study departs from existing models in significant ways. First, it does not prescribe sequential steps since Industry 4.0 implementation is a complex process requiring simultaneous work from various divisions across the organization. Second, the framework is scalable and flexible, allowing it to fit many applications regardless of the size or nature of the industry. Third, the model originated from contexts in developing countries, making it appropriate for implementation in markets like Saudi Arabia. Conclusion of the Research: This research concluded that the implementation of Industry 4.0 is neither straightforward nor linear. Experts voiced concern regarding the technical and management infrastructures facing developing countries' manufacturing sectors. The research suggested that the adoption of Industry 4.0 is a multi-step simultaneous process involving more than a single practice overcoming several barriers at the same time.197enIndustry 4.0Lean ManufacturingSmall and Medium-Sized EnterprisesDeveloping CountriesSaudi ArabiaInterpretive Structural ModelingFocus GroupsExpert Opinions.Thesis