EMPLOYEES’ PERCEPTION OF 5S PRACTICES IN THE VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY: EVIDENCE FROM AZERBAIJAN

The 5S methodology—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—is a fundamental lean management tool aimed at improving workplace organization, efficiency, safety, and quality. While the application of 5S practices has been widely studied in manufacturing industries, empirical research focusing on service-oriented and technical sectors such as the vertical transportation industry remains limited, particularly in the context of Azerbaijan. The vertical transportation industry, which includes the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, requires high levels of safety, precision, and operational discipline. The present study examines employees’ perceptions of 5S practices in the vertical transportation industry in Azerbaijan. The objectives of the study are to assess employees’ awareness and understanding of 5S principles, evaluate perceived benefits and challenges of implementation, and analyze the relationship between employee demographics and perceptions of 5S practices. A descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 200 employees working in selected vertical transportation companies using a structured questionnaire. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean score analysis, correlation analysis, and ANOVA were used for data analysis.