Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Impact of New Technology and Sourcing Practices in Managing Tactical and Strategic Manufacturing Flexibilities - An Empirical Study

  • Research Paper
  • Empirical Study
  • Published:
Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Manufacturing flexibility is widely recognized as a critical component to achieve a competitive advantage in the market place and improves an organization capability to respond to customer demands without incurring excessive time and cost penalties. The objective of this paper is to understand and explicate the interaction between advanced manufacturing technology, sourcing practices and manufacturing flexibilities and assess their relative impact on different flexibilities. This research reports the findings of an exploratory study of North Indian medium and large scale manufacturing organizations, which are in the process of achieving the manufacturing flexibilities at various levels by acquiring, developing or utilizing the advanced manufacturing technology or by the use of specific sourcing practice. The statistical results suggest significant relationships among sourcing practices, advanced manufacturing technology and manufacturing flexibilities at different levels of manufacturing flexibility. The results also suggest that an organization could deploy specific sourcing practices or advanced manufacturing technologies to target specific manufacturing flexibility in pursuit of agility-based competitive advantages.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adler P. (1988) ‘Managing Flexibility: A Selective Review of Challenges in Managing the New Production Technologies Potential for Flexibility’, California Management Review, Vol. 30, No.3, pp.34–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baharami, H. (1992) ‘The Emerging Flexible Organizations: Perspectives from Silicon Valley’, California Management Review, Vol. 34, No.4, pp.33–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barad, M. and Sipper, D. (1988) ‘Flexibility in Manufacturing Systems: Definitions and Petri-net Modeling’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol.26, No.3, pp.237–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beach, R., Muhlemann, A. P., Price, D. H. R., Paterson, A. and Sharp J. A. (2000) ‘A Review of Manufacturing Flexibility’, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol.122, No.1, pp.41–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beaumont, N., Schroder, R. and Sohal, A. (2002) ‘Do Foreign-Owned Firms Manage Advanced Manufacturing Technology Better?’, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol.7, No.7, pp.759–771.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bessant, J. (1991) Managing Advanced Manufacturing Technology: The Challenge of the Fifth Wave, NCC-Blackwell, Oxford and Manchester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bower, J. and Hout, T. M. (1988) ‘Fast-cycle Capability for Competitive Power’, Harvard Business Review, Vol.66, No.6, pp.110–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyer, K., Ward, P.T., Leong, K.G. (1996) ‘Approaches to the Factory of the Future: An Empirical Taxonomy’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.14, No.4, pp.297–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Browne, J., Dubois, D., Rathmill, K., Sethi, S., Stecke, K. (1984) ‘Classification of FMS’, FMS Magazine, Vol.2, No.22, pp.114–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgess, T.F., Guler, H.K. (1998) ‘Buyer Supplier Relationships in Films Adopting Advanced Manufacturing and Technology —An Empirical Analysis of the Implementation of Hard and Soft Technologies’, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, Vol.15, No.2, pp.127–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cagliano, R., Spina, G. (2000) ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies and Strategically Flexible Production’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.18, No.2, pp.169–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carlsson, B. (1989) ‘Flexibility and the Theory of the Firm’, International Journal of Industrial Organization, Vol.7, No.2, pp.179–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, M. F. (1986) ‘Designing Flexibility into Automated Manufacturing Systems’, Proceedings of the 2nd ORSA/TIMS Conference on Flexible Manufacturing Systems: or Models and Applications, Ann Arbor, MI, pp. 107–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, S., Lin, N. and Sheu, C. (2002) ‘Aligning Manufacturing Flexibility with Environmental Uncertainty: Evidence from High Technology Component Manufacturers in Taiwan’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 40, No. 18, pp. 4765–4780.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, C. and Chen, I. (1990) ‘Managing the Flexibility of Flexible Manufacturing Systems for Competitive Advantage’, In M. J. Liberatore (ed.), Selection and Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (New York: Springer Verlag), pp. 280–305.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Clark, K.B. (1996) ‘Competing through Manufacturing and the New Manufacturing Paradigm: Is Manufacturing Passe’, Journal of Production and Operations Management, Vol.5, No.1, pp.42–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Souza, D.E. and Williams, F.P. (2000) ‘Toward a Taxonomy of Manufacturing Flexibility Dimensions’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.18, No.5, pp.577–593.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dangayach, G.S. and Deshmukh, S.G. (2004) ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technology Implementation-Evidence from Indian SMEs’, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol.16, No.5, pp.483–496.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Toni, A. and S. Tonchia (1998) ‘Manufacturing Flexibility: A Literature Review’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol.36, No.6, pp. 1587–1617.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dean Jr., J.W., Snell, S.A. (1996) ‘The Strategic use of Integrated Manufacturing: An Empirical Examination’, Strategic Management Journal, Vol.17, No.4, pp. 459–480.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dean, J., Yoon, S. and Susman, G. (1992) ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Organization Structure: Empowerment or Subordination’, Organization Science, Vol.3, No.2, pp.203–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Souza, D. E. and F. P. Williams (2000) ‘Toward Taxonomy of Manufacturing Flexibility Dimensions’ Journal of Operations Management, Vol.18, No.5, pp.577–593.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finlay, P.N. and King, R.M. (1999) ‘IT outsourcing: A Research Framework’ International Journal of Technology Management, Vol.17, No.1–2, pp.109–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forza, C. (2002) ‘Survey Research in Operations Management: A Process-Based Perspective’, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol.22, No.2, pp.152–194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerwin, D. (1987) ‘An Agenda for Research on the Flexibility of Manufacturing Processes’, International Journal of Production and Operations Management, Vol. 7, No.1, pp.38–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerwin, D. (1993) ‘Manufacturing Flexibility - A Strategic Perspective’, Management Science, Vol.39, No.4, pp.395–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, Y. and Somers, T. M (1992) ‘Measurement of Manufacturing Flexibility’, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol.60, No.2, pp.166–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, O. K., Jantan, M. and Ndubisi, N. O. (2005) ‘The Moderator Effect of Supplier Management on the Relationship between Supplier Selection and Manufacturing Flexibility’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol.1, No.2, pp.147–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hair, J. F. Anderson, R. E., Tatham, R. L. and Black, W. C. (1995) Multivariate Data Analysis with Readings, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Handfield, R. B. and Pannessi, R. T (1995) ‘Antecedents of Lead Time Competitiveness in Make-to-order Manufacturing Firms’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol.33, No. 2, pp.511–537.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaikumar, R. (1986) ‘Postindustrial Manufacturing’, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 6, No.6, pp.69–76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kathawala, Y., Zhang, R. and Shao, J. (2005) ‘Global Outsourcing and its Impacts on Organisations: Problems and Issues’ International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 1, No.2 pp. 185–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kathawala, Y. and Wilgen, A. (2005) ‘The Evolution of Build-to-order Supply Chain and its Implications with Selected Case Studies’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 1, No.3, pp. 268–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koh, S.C.L., Gunasekaran, A. and Saad, S. M. (2005) ‘An Empirical Study of the Effects of Uncertainty on SME Manufacturers’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 1, No.4 pp. 395–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koste, L.L. and Malhotra, K.K. (1999) ‘A Theoretical Framework for Analyzing the Dimensions of Manufacturing Flexibility’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.18, No.1, pp.75–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leisman, T. (1999) ‘Future Sourcing: The Next Generation of Outsourcing Opportunities’, Vital Speeches of the Day, Vol.65, No.22, pp.685–690.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malhotra, M.K. and Grover, V. (1998) ‘An Assessment of Survey Research In Pom: from Constructs to Theory’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.16, No.4, pp.407–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCutcheon, D.M., Raturi, A.S. and Meredith, J.R. (1994) ‘The Customization-Responsiveness Squeeze’, Sloan Management Review (winter), Vol. 35, No.2, pp.89–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mora-Monge, C.A., Rao, S.S. and Gonzalez, M.E. (2007) ‘Strategic Considerations of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Two Developing Countries: A Coalignment Analysis’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 3, No. 4, pp.444–459.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Narain, R., Yadav, R.C. and Sarkis, J. (2007) ‘Investment Justification of Advanced Manufacturing Technology: A Review’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp.41–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Narasimhan, R. and Das, A. (2000) ‘An Empirical Examination of Sourcing Role in Developing Manufacturing Flexibilities’, Vol.38, No.4, pp.875–893.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narasimhan, R. and Das, A. (2001) ‘Process-Technology Fit and its Implications for Manufacturing Performance’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.19, No.5, pp.521–540.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Narasimhan, R. and Das, A. (1999) ‘An Empirical Examination of the Contribution of Strategic Sourcing to Manufacturing Flexibilities and Performance’, Decision Sciences, Vol.30, No.3, pp.683–718.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Narasimhan, R., Talluri S. and Das A. (2004) ‘Exploring Flexibility and Execution Competencies of Manufacturing Firms’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol 22, No 1., pp.91–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally, J. (1978) Psychometric Theory, McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olhager, J. (1993) ‘Manufacturing Flexibility and Profitability’, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol.30/31, pp.67–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roth, A.V., Giffi, C.A. (1995) ‘Critical Factors for Achieving World-class Manufacturing’, OM Review, Vol.10, No.2, pp.1–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sethi, A. K. and Sethi, S. P. (1990) ‘Flexible Manufacturing: A Survey’, International Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Vol.2, No.4, pp.289–328.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh T. P., Khamba J. S., and Sushil, (1996) ‘A Framework for Flexible Management of New Technology’, Proceedings of the International Conference on Technology Management, Bogazici University, Iftanbul, Turkey, June 24–26, 608–614.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, A., Narain, R., Yadav, R.C. (2006) ‘Benchmarking and Performance Measurement of Supply Chain Management Practices: A Survey of Indian organisations’, International Journal of Services and Operations Management, Vol. 2, No.4, pp. 313–334.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slack, N (1983) ‘Flexibility as a Manufacturing Objective’, International Journal of Production Management, Vol.3, No.3, pp.4–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slack, N. and H. Corrêa (1992) ‘The Flexibilities of Push and Pull’, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol.12, No.4, pp.82–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Slack, N. (1990) ‘Flexibility as Managers See it’, In: New Technology and Manufacturing Management, John Wiley and Sons, New York, pp.33–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snell, S.A., Dean Jr., J.W. (1992) ‘Integrated Manufacturing and Human Resource Management: A Human Capital Perspective’, Academy of Management Journal, Vol.35, No.3, pp.467–504.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suarez, F.F., Cusumano, M.A., Fine, C.H. (1996) ‘An Empirical Study of Manufacturing Flexibility in Printed Circuit Board Assembly’, Journal of Operations Research, Vol.44, No.1, pp.223–240.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sushil (1997) ‘Flexible Systems Management: An Evolving Paradigm’, System Research and Behavioral Science, Vol.14, No.4, pp.259–275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swamidass, P.M., Kotha, S. (1998) ‘Explaining Manufacturing Technology Use, Firm Size and Performance Using a Multidimensional View of Technology’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.17, No.1, pp. 23–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taymaz, E (1989) ‘Types of Flexibility in a Single Machine Production System’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol.27, pp.1891–1899.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tranfield, D., Smith, S., Ley, C., Bessant, J., Lev, P. (1991) ‘Changing Organizational Design and Practices for Computer Integrated Technologies’, International Journal of Technology Management, Vol.6, No.3/4, pp.211–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tully, S. (1994) ‘You’ll Never Guess Who Really Makes’, Fortune, Vol.3(October), pp.124–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Upton, D. M. and B. Kim (1998) ‘Alternative Methods of Learning and Process Improvement in Manufacturing’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.16, No.1, pp.1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Upton, D. M. (1995) ‘Flexibility as Process Mobility: The Management of Plant Capabilities for Quick Response Manufacturing’, Journal of Operations Management, Vol.12, No., 205–224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Upton, D.M. (1994) ‘The Management of Manufacturing Flexibility’, California Management Review, Vol.36, No.2 (Winter), pp.72–89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ward, P.T., Leong, G.K. and Boyer, K.K. (1994) ‘Manufacturing Proactiveness and Performance’, Decision Sciences, Vol.25, No.3, pp.337–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watts C. A., Kim, K. Y. and Hahn, C. K. (1992) ‘Linking Purchasing to Corporate Competitive Strategy’, International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management, Vol.28, No.4, pp.28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zelenovich, D. M. (1982) ‘Flexibility: A Condition for Effective Production System’, International Journal of Production Research, Vol.20, No.3, pp.319–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, L. and Reisman, A. (1992) ‘Towards Meta Research on Technology Transfer’, IEEE Transactions of Engineering Management, Vol. 39, No.1, pp.13–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, B. B. S. B. Engineering College, Fatehgarh Sahib, India

    J. S. Oberoi (Assistant Professor)

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjabi University Campus, Patiala, India

    J. S. Khamba (Professor and Head)

  3. School of Management and social sciences, Thapar University, Patiala, India

    R. Kiran (Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. J. S. Oberoi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. S. Khamba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. Kiran
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. S. Oberoi.

Additional information

J S Oberoi, working as Asstt. Professor at B.B.S.B.Engineering College, Punjab, India, He has published over 25 articles/papers in various journals and conference proceedings, resource person for various conferences, seminars and conventions at international and national level and guided a no. of project/thesis at post graduation and graduation level. His area of expertise is manufacturing flexibilities, outsourcing management, optimization techniques and management of systems. He has been awarded with the best engineering college teacher award of the state in 2005 and nominated for international educator of the year award in 2007 by International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England.

J S Khamba, presently working as Prof. and Head, Mechanical Engg. Deptt., Punjabi University, Patiala, India. He has published over 70 papers in scholarly and referred journals & has guided six Ph.D. degrees and more than 80 thesis/projects at post graduate and graduate level programmes. He has also handed three govt. sponsored projects/consultancy jobs assigned by Govt. of India in the concerned area of his expertise.

Ravi Kiran, presently working as Associate Prof., School of Management and Social Sciences, Thapar University, Patiala, India. She has published over 40 papers in scholarly and referred Indian and international journals & has guided a number of Ph.D. degrees and and thesis/projects at post graduate and graduate level programmes. Her area of specialization is industrial economics, productivity and human development. She has conducted a number of training and refresher courses/workshops in her field.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Oberoi, J.S., Khamba, J.S. & Kiran, R. Impact of New Technology and Sourcing Practices in Managing Tactical and Strategic Manufacturing Flexibilities - An Empirical Study. Global J. Flexible Syst. Manage. 8, 1–14 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03396523

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03396523

Keywords

Search

Navigation