Towards theory building in agile manufacturing strategies–Case studies of an agility taxonomy

Towards theory building in agile manufacturing strategies–Case studies of an agility taxonomy

0.00 Avg rating0 Votes
Article ID: iaor20113826
Volume: 131
Issue: 1
Start Page Number: 303
End Page Number: 312
Publication Date: May 2011
Journal: International Journal of Production Economics
Authors:
Keywords: agile manufacturing, UK, survey data
Abstract:

Agility is widely accepted in the manufacturing industry as a new competitive concept. However, how to develop a manufacturing strategy based around agility is not fully understood. A numerical taxonomy of agile manufacturing strategies was developed recently by the author, based on a large scale questionnaire study of UK industry. The taxonomy suggested the existence of three basic types of agility strategies: quick, responsive, and proactive. This paper presents a case‐based investigation of the practical details of the three basic types of agility strategies. Typical cases from the basic strategy types were chosen and studied to establish why companies choose each type of the strategies, what distinctive agility drivers they are faced with and why, and whether and what typical action programs are used to implement the strategies. A cross‐case analysis found that the choice of agility strategies is related to the nature of markets and competition, the characteristics of products (life cycles and degrees of maturity), and market positions of individual companies.

Reviews

Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published.