Towards a theory of competitive progression: Evidence from high-tech manufacturing

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Rosenzweig, ED; Roth, AV
• 署名单位: Emory University; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
• 刊物名称: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1059-1478
• 发表日期: 2004
• 页码: 354-368
• 关键词: manufacturing strategy; competitive progression theory; competitive capabilities; high-tech manufacturing; Empirical Research

摘要

This study replicates and extends Ferdows and De Meyers' observed 'sand cone' model of cumulative competitive capabilities by means of Roth's related competitive progression theory (CPT). Using path analysis, we model and test the relationships among the generic competitive capability constructs of conformance quality, delivery reliability, volume flexibility, and low cost as predicted by CPT. Our results, drawn from a sample of high-tech manufacturers, provide further evidence that on average, these four capabilities are acquired both cumulatively and in that sequence. We also find that each generic capability increases operational know-how and reduces non-value-added directly and/or indirectly through the enhancement of successive capabilities in the progression, which in turn improves profitability. The paper contributes a theoretical rationale for the observed sand cone effect, describes how the competitive progression acts to influence accelerated organizational learning over an innovation cycle, and offers evidence that combinative capabilities have strategic value for high-tech manufacturers.