Barbara B. Flynn, Roger G. Schroeder, E. James Flynn, Sadao Sakakibara and Kimberly A. Bates
A number of authors have used terms such as “world‐class manufacturing”, “high performance manufacturing” and others to describe comprehensive approaches to manufacturing…
Abstract
A number of authors have used terms such as “world‐class manufacturing”, “high performance manufacturing” and others to describe comprehensive approaches to manufacturing performance improvement. They have broken new ground by introducing the notion of broad, organization‐wide improvement approaches, involving many complex interrelationships. However, testing the associated relationships is just beginning. The WCM Project seeks to articulate the practices which are associated with world‐class manufacturing and their interrelationships. In this attempt, a number of studies have been conducted, using the comprehensive database developed for the project. Provides a detailed examination of the development and verification of the database, which contains perceptual and objective information about quality, JIT, technology, strategy, organization characteristics and human resource management practices of 42 plants in the machinery, electronics and transportation components industries. It also provides a brief overview of three of the studies conducted as part of this project, dealing with: manufacturing process innovation; the relationship between quality practices and performance; and the relationship between TQM and JIT. Each of these highlights specific practices which are related to performance, as well as relevant infrastructure characteristics.
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New types of manufactured goods can have disbenefits and negative consequences, as well as benefits and positive consequences. However, disbenefits and negative consequences have…
Abstract
Purpose
New types of manufactured goods can have disbenefits and negative consequences, as well as benefits and positive consequences. However, disbenefits and negative consequences have received little consideration within manufacturing literature related to new product development (NPD). The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary analysis, and propose improvements to NPD screening processes, which can facilitate reduction of disbenefits and negative consequences that can arise from new manufactured goods.
Design/methodology/approach
The research comprised a review of the literature relating to: new product development processes; disbenefits of manufactured goods; and negative consequences arising from manufactured goods.
Findings
There is often broad consensus about the disbenefits of manufactured goods. However, some disbenefits are not stopped before they have contributed to potentially irreversible negative global consequences. This can be because there is often disagreement about, for example, the composition and extent of negative consequences.
Practical implications
NPD processes should be improved to facilitate reduction of disbenefits and negative consequences. In particular, the screening of new manufactured goods as they progress from idea to concept to development should be improved.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper is that it provides descriptions of underlying characteristics that differentiate disbenefits and negative consequences. These descriptions can enable better understanding of how negative unintended consequences arise from the introduction of new types of manufactured goods. The value of this paper is that it proposes improvements to NPD screening processes that can facilitate reduction of disbenefits and their negative consequences.
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Ana Ma Serrano‐Bedia, Ma Concepción López‐Fernández and Gema García‐Piqueres
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the existence of complementarity between innovation activities (internal innovation, external innovation and cooperative R&D), as well as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the existence of complementarity between innovation activities (internal innovation, external innovation and cooperative R&D), as well as their impact on firms' innovation performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the Third Community Innovation Survey (CIS‐3) for Spain, a multiple regression model is used to study the existence of complementarity between innovation activities and their impact on innovation performance. The sample for the study is 3,964 innovative firms.
Findings
First of all, the empirical results propose that the complementarity appears only between internal innovation and either external or cooperative innovation – but not with both together, which is in‐line with the “absorption capacity” notion. Second, the use of external and cooperation innovation in isolation does not yield positive effects on innovation performance. This finding contradicts the substitution argument and supports the absorptive capacity argument. Finally, innovation strategies do not seem to be dissimilar between industries.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the paper is the use of cross‐section data, which implies less robust results as an empirical test.
Practical implications
The empirical results allow the authors to recommend company managers and public administration officials to improve and support internal innovation. These activities should be combined with the high levels of external acquisitions that Spanish firms have in order to increase their innovation performance as the absorption capacity theory and this paper's empirical results suggest.
Originality/value
The first contribution of the paper is the inclusion of the third form of innovation: cooperation. The second contribution refers to the inclusion of the service sector in the authors' sample.
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Ivan K.W. Lai and Henry C.W. Lau
The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid risk management model, focusing on identification and evaluation of potential risk scenarios in industry/enterprise level, which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a hybrid risk management model, focusing on identification and evaluation of potential risk scenarios in industry/enterprise level, which assists in preventing negative impacts from adverse risks.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed hybrid risk management model embraces the concept of hierarchical holographic modelling (HHM), enterprise‐wise risk management (ERM) and risk filtering, ranking, and management (RFRM) that could be applied in real commercial settings. A case study is conducted in order to validate this comprehensive theoretical model.
Findings
This study shows the potential risks that may be faced by the textile industry in Hong Kong. Corresponding responses are suggested for the risks in different levels, which provide a systematic approach in managing the risks.
Research limitations/implications
The use of a single case study may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Practical implications
The risks suffered by the textile industry are identified through the case study, which provide an insight for better planning and preparation, so as to gain a better chance of success than that of competitors.
Originality/value
The proposed model does not only provide theoretical merits to the literature but can also be applied to different industries for risk management practices.
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Paolo Taticchi, Luca Cagnazzo, Roger Beach and Kevin Barber
The purpose of this paper is to draw on the experiences of a real company to develop a framework of management processes for an organizational network model that has enabled a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw on the experiences of a real company to develop a framework of management processes for an organizational network model that has enabled a network of enterprises to develop new levels of organizational flexibility, particularly with regards to improving the network's capacity to innovate.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal case study of an Italian enterprise network forms the basis of the analysis described in this paper.
Findings
The key operational and organizational activities of the principal agent in a novel organizational network model known as the Virtual Development Office (VDO) are identified and discussed.
Research limitations/implications
The (VDO) concept is identified as a realistic and practical means of leveraging the competences of an enterprise network to achieve competitive advantage. However, more empirical data are required before the concepts described herein can be generalised more widely.
Practical implications
The small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) is a major contributor to the European economy. However, the constraints that these organizations operate under mean that they are often at a competitive disadvantage. The organizational network model outlined in this paper can assist in leveraging their capacity to innovate.
Originality/value
Research in collaborative networks has become increasingly important given the significant impact it can have on competitiveness. This paper demonstrates a framework of management processes for a novel organizational network model that facilitates collaboration amongst networks of SMEs.
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Jitesh Thakkar, Arun Kanda and S.G. Deshmukh
The purpose of this paper is to report insights on supply chain issues in small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises (SMEs) based on an analysis of six case organizations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report insights on supply chain issues in small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises (SMEs) based on an analysis of six case organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
A broad range of qualitative and quantitative data was collected during interviews and field visits in a multi‐case study research design. In total, six manufacturing SME units were investigated and analyzed.
Findings
The deliverables of the paper are two‐fold. First, the paper documents six cases uncovering supply chain and operations complexities in manufacturing SMEs. Second, based on the critical analysis of the case organizations, insights developed are reported with a set of recommendations.
Practical implications
The field of supply chain management (SCM) is reaching a new stage. After a period dominated by enthusiasm for the newness of the idea of managing the stream of products across the whole chain, from supply through manufacturing to end‐users, it is now realized that “one size does not fit all”. SCM has been considered an effective strategy for integrating suppliers and customers with the objective of improving responsiveness and flexibility of manufacturing organizations. It seems that the supply chain issues are much explored in the context of large enterprises but less attention is paid to SMEs.
Originality/value
This paper draws an attention towards select supply chain issues in Indian manufacturing SMEs. The paper includes six cases highlighting their supply chain issues in the Indian environment. Subsequently, an analysis is reported to acquaint industry practitioners and contemporary researchers with the issues that influence managing supply chain in SME sectors. It maps SCM orientation of case organizations and summarizes the critical supply chain issues in Indian manufacturing SMEs.
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Beatriz Minguela‐Rata, M. Concepción Rodríguez‐Benavides and José Ignacio López‐Sánchez
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of knowledge complexity, absorptive capacity and weak ties between franchisor and franchisee on standards compliance related to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of knowledge complexity, absorptive capacity and weak ties between franchisor and franchisee on standards compliance related to quality and operative procedures.
Design/methodology/approach
A franchisee outlets survey was carried out to investigate the effect of knowledge, franchisee and relationships characteristics on franchise systems uniformity. A linear regression analysis was conducted on a sample of franchisees from different franchise chains and sectors of activity operating in Spain. The authors also controlled for transformation type, which represents the kind of activities carried out in the franchisee units, whether just commercial or both transformative and commercial activities.
Findings
Partial support was found for the hypothesis. Knowledge complexity and absorptive capacity do not affect uniformity, although weak ties do affect it: the fewer weak ties, the greater franchise system uniformity. These results allow the authors to identify differences between outlets that carry out commercial and physical transformation activities and those in which only commercial activities are carried out. Specifically, uniformity is greater in outlets that perform both commercial and productive activities, and lower in outlets that only carry out commercial activities.
Originality/value
The paper shows that uniformity can be regarded as a source of competitive advantage in the context of franchise operations with multiple centres dispersed geographically.