Advance manufacturing strategy and firm performance: An empirical study in a developing environment of small- and medium-sized firms
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the implications of organizational knowledge, source of information and functional orientation, resource-based view of the manufacturing and global orientation, on manufacturing practices which include advanced manufacturing strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study approach has been used to assess the implications of advanced manufacturing strategies on firm performance.
Findings
This paper provides a framework for managers to: assess competitive priorities of the industry; identify order winners for the industry; identify key decision areas or practices for improvements; and to assess the role of implications of organizational knowledge on the manufacturing practices.
Research limitations/implications
The limitations are as follows: the issue of organizational knowledge and learning is assessed from manufacturing view point only; plants located all over India are considered for study; and considers plants employing different manufacturing systems and products.
Practical implications
Saturated with the conventional manufacturing technologies, a growing number of small- and medium-scale industries began to explore advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs). Investment in AMTs remains a promising but potentially risky venture. This paper helps the small- and medium-scale industries to adopt viable AMTs and business performance strategies and then provides guidelines for enhancing their competitiveness.
Social implications
This paper may help all the stakeholders of small- and medium-scale industry.
Originality/value
This paper is based on one of the few studies conducted to assess the implications of advanced manufacturing strategies on firm performance in Indian scenario.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to thank the anonymous referees for their valuable feedback and constructive comments which helped to improve the structure and quality of this paper. The author also would like to express sincere gratitude to the editor and his team for their continuous guidance and support for the successful publication of this research paper.
Citation
Narkhede, B.E. (2017), "Advance manufacturing strategy and firm performance: An empirical study in a developing environment of small- and medium-sized firms", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 62-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-05-2015-0053
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited