The Australian Government Department of Industry commissioned the Centre for Workplace Leadership (University of Melbourne) to conduct a study that investigates the use of management practices that increase performance and innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. The study sought to understand the issues that shape the ability of Australian manufacturing SMEs to drive high performance outcomes, and the support required for such a transition to take place.

The study consisted of three parts:

1. A survey of 1,054 SME manufacturing workplaces.
2. Demonstration case studies.
3. A selective review of government and industry programs.

This paper presents the initial findings.