The formalisation of manufacturing strategy and its influence on the relationship between competitive objectives, improvement goals, and action plans

Acur, N. , Gertsen, F., Sun, H. and Frick, J. (2003) The formalisation of manufacturing strategy and its influence on the relationship between competitive objectives, improvement goals, and action plans. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 23(10), pp. 1114-1141. (doi: 10.1108/01443570310496599)

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Abstract

his paper intends to contribute to a better understanding of manufacturing strategy content by describing and analysing the content and formalisation of manufacturing strategies, and by exploring the relationships between the formalisation of manufacturing strategy, business/competitive objectives, improvement goals, and action plans. The study is based on the data from the third International Manufacturing Strategy Survey, which was conducted in more than 20 countries. The analysis shows that in companies with a formal strategy competitive priorities, improvement goals and action programs are significantly better aligned in companies without such a strategy. This finding is encouraging for operations management scholars, as it suggests that after 30‐odd years Skinner's missing link has been re‐discovered, and it supports OM practitioners in their ongoing battle to safeguard the position of manufacturing in the corporate debate.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Acur, Professor Nuran
Authors: Acur, N., Gertsen, F., Sun, H., and Frick, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:International Journal of Operations & Production Management
Publisher:Emerald
ISSN:0144-3577
ISSN (Online):1758-6593

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