The Role of Value Stream Mapping in Achieving Competitive Advantage: A Theoretical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the extent of application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and its role in achieving competitive advantage for industrial companies in Taiz Governorate, Yemen. It also sought to identify any statistically significant differences in the opinions of the study sample participants regarding the role of this tool in achieving competitive advantage, attributed to demographic variables (age, educational qualification, academic specialization, job title, years of experience). The study focused on a sample of (11) private sector industrial companies in Taiz to represent the study population. A social survey method was employed to collect data from a sample of (71) participants through an electronically designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using (IBM SPSS V.24), (JASP) programs, and (SMART PLS 3) program. The results indicated that the industrial companies in Taiz apply Value Stream Mapping at a high level, and that the application of (VSM) plays a significant role in achieving competitive advantage for these companies. The study recommended that the industrial companies in Taiz focus on improving the level of (VSM) application and enhancing its role in achieving a better competitive advantage than currently observed.