Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and its application in analyzing factors inhibiting implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the application of Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to analyze the barriers in implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). TPM is explained in brief with emphasis on maintenance programs to improve quality of products, reliability of processes and reduction in cost. Barriers in implementation of TPM are also discussed. Concept of ISM and steps in developing ISM are described in detail. The authors then illustrate the research methodology which involves applying ISM to analyze barriers in TPM. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts off by describing the concepts of TPM and ISM. Barriers in implementation of TPM are discussed. It explains ISM as a methodology to understand the underlying interrelationship among the inhibiting factors. The authors draw up an action plan to carry out research on the usage of ISM to study the TPM inhibitors, to develop an integrated model to establish the relationship among the different TPM inhibiting factors and to suggest action plan to mitigate these factors. Findings – Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) can be used to analyze the driving and dependence power of the variables inhibiting implementation of TPM. The barriers to implement TPM are described with detailed explanation. The complexity of the problem and the degree of interconnection among the variables can be found out. This will help Managers take action on mitigating the barriers. Practical implications – By analyzing the interrelationships among the barriers and their strengths, management can chalk out the strategy to implement TPM in an organization. Management will become aware of the barriers which have the maximum influence and then can act accordingly to mitigate these barriers. This will help in implementing TPM faster and in an organized manner. Originality/value – Many authors have used ISM to study various issues. A couple of authors have used ISM to determine barriers in implementation of TPM. The authors feel that most of the papers describe ISM in brief making it slightly difficult for readers to understand. This paper aims to explain elaborately step-by-step on how to develop an ISM making it easier for researchers to understand the ISM concept. Even though there are papers on TPM and difficulties in implementation of TPM, this paper explains the barriers in implementing TPM based on the experience of the corresponding author having worked in the refinery industry.

What derives lean manufacturing effectiveness: An interpretive structural mode

“…It is a computer aided methodology to study and structure complex issues into directed graphs which can be easily understood (Poduval and Pramod, 2015). Basically, it is a qualitative analysis that used to identify the interrelationship or precedence relationship among all variables in qualitative data.…”

“…ISM has been used in analyzing the factors that impeding TPM implementation (Poduval and Pramod, 2015). Poduval and Pramod (2015) applied ISM analysis as a precursor to deal with the barriers in TPM implementation and ISM basics.…”

“…Poduval and Pramod (2015) applied ISM analysis as a precursor to deal with the barriers in TPM implementation and ISM basics. Poduval and Pramod (2015) concluded that ISM is the appropriate method in order to study the interrelationship among factors listed. Besides, ISM has been applied to supply chain management background for modeling supply chain list (Pfohl et al, 2011).…”

“…Researchers such as Kannan and Choon Tan (2006) and Luthra et al (2014) have used ISM methodology in order to modeling various variables in their project. (Poduval and Pramod, 2015) Thus, ISM was selected in this paper in order to have clearer understanding on the precedence relationships among key determinants.…”

Ethical and psychological factors in 5S and total productive maintenance

“…Thus, based on the findings, organisations are recommended to provide financial and moral support to employees to enable a comprehensive implementation of 5S and TPM aimed at obtaining the desired results. Gohil, Shah and Desai (2013) and Poduval and Pramod (2015) in the area of 5S and TPM.Where, these studies have focused on studying the other factors such as (organizational, technological, operational and others) in implementing 5S and TPM. This without realizing the fact that it is also necessary to examine factors such as (ethical and psychological) that would affect the capabilities and employee morale before and during the implementation of those techniques (5S and TPM) that are used to bring out the best productivity.…”