The Effect of Continuous Process Improvement Elements on Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Abstract

This study aims to find out how continuous improvement (CI) of production processes helps make the iron and steel factory more competitive in the long run. To achieve competitiveness, the plans of the iron and steel factory in Karbala/Iraq face a major obstacle in the form of limited financial resources, which requires searching for innovative solutions to bridge this gap. Based on the literature related to continuous improvement and competitive advantage, a theoretical framework is developed which assumes that the former is an independent variable, and the latter is a dependent variable. In this study, the researchers followed the empirical research method. The sample of the study consists of 175 workers in the iron and steel production factory in Karbala/Iraq. To analyze the data, a set of statistical methods available in the statistical program (SPSS.V.26), (SMART PLS.V.4.1.0.5) was used. The results of the study confirm that continuous improvement, which is evident in the factory's efforts to increase equipment efficiency and accelerate the introduction of new products, contributes significantly to enhancing the company's competitive advantage in the long run. The study recommends that the factory management enhances its efforts in the field of continuous improvement to ensure its survival in the market and expand its business.