Relationship between just‐in‐time manufacturing practices and performance: A meta‐analytic investigation

Abstract Just‐in‐time (JIT) manufacturing is among the most commonly researched topics in the area of operations management. This study examines the relationship between JIT manufacturing practices and performance outcomes by means of meta‐analysis of correlations approach. Based on an in‐depth analysis of literature spanning from 1992 to 2008, the results of this meta‐analytic investigation support a positive relationship between JIT manufacturing practices and aggregate performance. However, the findings suggest that not all individual JIT practices are associated with all types of performance outcomes. This study highlights the JIT practices that have the greatest impact on individual performance outcomes and emphasizes the role of moderating factors in the relationship between JIT practices and performance. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed and directions for future theory building in JIT are presented.