Quantitative Analysis of Factors Influencing Production Performance in the Iraqi Glass Industry: A PLS-SEM Approach

Abstract

This study uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to quantitatively analyse the variables impacting Production Performance (PP) in the glass sector of Iraq. Analysed were 462 valid replies that evaluated the links among PP, Operational Efficiency (OE), Process Stability (PS), Workforce Training (WT), Raw Material Quality (RMQ), Supply Chain Efficiency (SCE), and dependability of maintenance. The measurement model proved to be very reliable and valid. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed by Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values over 0.50 and Composite Reliability (CR) values ranging from 0.856 to 0.931. The results of the structural model showed that Maintenance Reliability (MR), WT, RMQ, SCE, and OE had a significant impact on PP (β = 0.136, p <.05, β = 0.144, p <.001, β = 0.191, p <.001, β = 0.421, p <.001, β = 0.426, p <.001). MR (β = 0.152, p <.05), WT (β = 0.311, p <.001), SCE (β = 0.283, p <.001), and PS (β = 0.244, p <.05) were the factors that strongly predicted OE.  MR, WT, SCE, PS, and PP were all shown to be mediated by OE, according to the mediation study. The influence of SCE (β = 0.281, p <.05) and PS (β = 0.155, p <.05) on PP was mitigated by Industry 4.0 technology (I4.0).  Q² > 0 indicates that the model has good predictive potential, as it explained 54% of the variation in PP and 64% in OE. Findings provide empirical support for the mediating function of OE and the moderating effect of 4.0 in optimising production outcomes in the glass manufacturing industry.