Fit, flexibility and performance in manufacturing: Coping with dynamic environments

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Anand, G; Ward, PT
• 署名单位: University System of Ohio; Ohio State University
• 刊物名称: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
• ISSN/ISSBN: 1059-1478
• 发表日期: 2004
• 页码: 369-385
• 关键词: ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMISM; flexibility; fit

摘要

This research develops the notion of environmental fit and flexibility and illustrates the importance of such fit empirically using survey data from 101 manufacturing firms. Two dimensions of environmental dynamism are identified and the fit between them and different approaches to flexibility are assessed. Hierarchical regressions provide evidence that flexibility is a stronger predictor of performance in more dynamic environments. Specifically, presence of the unpredictability or the volatility aspects of environmental dynamism each warrant the use of different types of manufacturing flexibility strategies. Statistical results are interpreted with the caveat that while implemented capability must be used to study performance effects, this study uses perceived importance scales for flexibility.