34 results on '"Maike Scherrer"'
Search Results
2. Benefits of internal manufacturing network integration : The moderating effect of country context
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Levente Szász, Maike Scherrer, and Patricia Deflorin
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- 2016
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3. Coopetitive Urban Logistics to Decrease Freight Traffic and Improve Urban Liveability
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Maike Scherrer
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- 2023
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4. Linking network targets and site capabilities : A conceptual framework to determine site contributions to strategic manufacturing network targets
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Simone Thomas, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, Maria Fischl, and Thomas Friedli
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- 2015
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5. International R&D and Manufacturing Networks: Dynamism, Structure and Absorptive Capacity.
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, and Helmut Dietl
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- 2012
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6. Digging deeper into supply risk: a systematic literature review on price risks
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Maria Fischl, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, and Thomas Friedli
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- 2014
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7. An End-User Taxonomy of Enterprise Systems Flexibility: Evidence from a Leading European Apparel Manufacturer.
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Maike Scherrer-Rathje and Todd A. Boyle
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- 2012
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8. Disseminative capabilities and manufacturing plant roles in the knowledge network of MNCs
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Patricia Deflorin, Levente Szász, Maike Scherrer, and Béla-Gergely Rácz
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Economics and Econometrics ,Knowledge management ,Plant role ,Case study ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,Knowledge transfer ,Organizational culture ,Context (language use) ,02 engineering and technology ,International business ,Management Science and Operations Research ,Competitive advantage ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,0502 economics and business ,670: Industrielle und handwerkliche Fertigung ,International manufacturing network ,Multinational company ,Disseminative capability ,338: Produktion ,021103 operations research ,business.industry ,05 social sciences ,General Business, Management and Accounting ,Knowledge sharing ,Multinational corporation ,Organizational structure ,Business ,050203 business & management - Abstract
Manufacturing plants operating within the international manufacturing network (IMN) of a multinational company (MNC) frequently participate in the intra-company creation and distribution of knowledge, thereby contributing to the competitive advantage of the whole company and at the same time strengthening their own position within the MNC. International business and operations management literature suggests that plants taking up a knowledge-sending role within their IMN have a stronger position within the company. Nevertheless, literature offers little guidance on how to become a knowledge disseminator within the IMN. This article proposes to fill an important gap in the literature related to the concept of disseminative capacity, aiming (1) to explore how the knowledge-sending and knowledge-receiving roles of manufacturing plants can be assessed in an IMN context, and (2) to identify the capabilities needed for a plant to become a knowledge-sending unit within the IMN. To reach this objective, thirteen case studies were analyzed involving plants in four different countries. Results from the case studies show that (1) manufacturing plants can be positioned along a continuum from predominantly knowledge-receiving to predominantly knowledge-sending units, with multiple intermediary positions coexisting; (2) several plants have a strategic intent to change their positions, moving mainly along this continuum towards a higher intensity of knowledge-sending roles; (3) three elements are identified as necessary preconditions to develop disseminative capabilities, namely a knowledge-sharing-oriented organizational culture, incentive systems and organizational structures that reward knowledge sharing, and the intensity of inter-plant human interactions. more...
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- 2019
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9. The influence of IIoT on manufacturing network coordination
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Maike Scherrer, Patricia Deflorin, and Katrin Schillo
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0209 industrial biotechnology ,Process management ,Computer science ,Strategy and Management ,05 social sciences ,02 engineering and technology ,Industry 4.0 ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Computer Science Applications ,Task (project management) ,Manufacturing network coordination ,020901 industrial engineering & automation ,Control and Systems Engineering ,0502 economics and business ,Industrial Internet ,Isolation (database systems) ,IIoT ,050203 business & management ,Software ,670: Industrielle und handwerkliche Fertigung - Abstract
PurposeThe coordination of a manufacturing network is a challenging task and may be contingent upon the manufacturing environment. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and manufacturing network coordination relate.Design/methodology/approachBased on a single case study, the paper at hand provides insights on IIoT enablers and the relationship to manufacturing coordination mechanism. The data sample is based on 15 group interviews with overall eight employees from headquarters and business units.FindingsThe derived results show that the IIoT enablers (digital technologies, connectivity, data, capabilities and management) are highly related to the manufacturing network coordination mechanism. The results indicate that IIoT initiatives and manufacturing network coordination should be designed to support each other.Originality/valueThe implementation if IIoT initiatives is often analysed in isolation without considering the manufacturing network and more specifically the manufacturing network coordination mechanism. The results highlight how the implementation of IIoT initiatives may act as trigger to adapt formal manufacturing network coordination mechanism. more...
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- 2021
10. Datenbasierte Dienstleistungen nachhaltig umsetzen : Analyse, Gestaltung und Implementierung
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer, Anina Havelka, Adrian Campos, Toni Wäfler, Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer, Anina Havelka, Adrian Campos, and Toni Wäfler
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- Strategic planning, Leadership, Service industries, Technological innovations
- Abstract
Datenbasierte Dienstleistungen wie die vorausschauende Wartung bieten große Chance für produzierende Unternehmen. Eine Vielzahl an Unternehmen haben entsprechende Industrie 4.0 Projekte angestoßen. Die nachhaltige Umsetzung bereitet jedoch größere Schwierigkeiten als erwartet. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird ein Leitfaden vorgestellt welcher aufzeigt, was für eine nachhaltige Umsetzung für datenbasierte Dienstleistungen zu beachten ist. Dieser Leitfaden umfasst drei übergeordnete Schritte: (1) Entwicklung datenbasierter Dienstleistungen, (2) Konzept für die Umsetzung datenbasierter Dienstleistung aus soziotechnischer Perspektive und (3) Umsetzung. Basierend auf den Erfahrungen eines von der Innosuisse finanzierten Projektes zeigen die Autoren auf, wo die größten Herausforderungen innerhalb der drei übergeordneten Schritte liegen, geben eine kurze Übersicht zur relevanten Literatur und beschreiben die Methoden, welche die Entwicklung und die nachhaltige Umsetzungdatenbasierter Dienstleistungen unterstützen. Dabei stützen sich die Autoren auf die Erkenntnisse der soziotechnischen Systemtheorie und zeigen auf, welche Maßnahmen aus Sicht Mensch, Technik und Organisation notwendig sind. more...
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- 2024
11. Prerequisites for a beneficial knowledge transfer between manufacturing plants
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Ildikó-Réka Cardoș, Patricia Deflorin, Béla-Gergely Rácz, Maike Scherrer, István Fábián, and Levente Szász
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Multinational company ,Knowledge management ,Data collection ,business.industry ,Knowledge transfer ,Knowledge sending ,658.403: Entscheidungsfindung, Informationsmanagement ,Manufacturing network ,Order (business) ,Multinational corporation ,Information system ,Knowledge receiving ,business ,Qualitative research - Abstract
The paper aims at exploring the prerequisites for a beneficial knowledge transfer between manufacturing plants of multinational companies (MNCs), by taking the characteristics of the knowledge sending and knowledge receiving plant into consideration. This research seeks to understand how efforts undertaken by manufacturing plants, and how collaborative tools and coordination mechanisms influence a successful knowledge transfer. The study includes thirteen case studies conducted in manufacturing plants from four different European countries (i.e., Switzerland, Romania, Albania, and Macedonia). Given the exploratory nature of this study, the authors used a qualitative research approach. The main method of data collection involved multiple semi-structured interviews at manufacturing plants, uniformly applied in each country in order to observe general patterns across different cases. Their results show that the personal interaction between knowledge sending and receiving plants is more important for a successful knowledge transfer than information systems or prior related knowledge. more...
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- 2020
12. Linking QFD and the manufacturing network strategy
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Maike Scherrer and Patricia Deflorin
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Process management ,Computer science ,Process (engineering) ,Strategy and Management ,media_common.quotation_subject ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,General Decision Sciences ,02 engineering and technology ,Single-subject design ,Originality ,Management of Technology and Innovation ,Quality function deployment ,0502 economics and business ,Operations management ,Dimension (data warehouse) ,media_common ,021103 operations research ,05 social sciences ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Manufacturing networks ,Range (mathematics) ,Coordination ,Transparency (graphic) ,Configuration ,050203 business & management ,Qualitative research - Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to integrate the manufacturing site and network perspectives for the purposes of strategy fulfilment, which has rarely been jointly discussed. By doing this, the site and network perspectives are broken into their constituents and linked to one another. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides qualitative research; it conducts a comprehensive literature review and merges the results with the concept of the quality function deployment to link the relevant dimensions. The developed framework is discussed based on a single case study. Findings The proposed framework relates the network and site perspectives in different dimensions, which range from the strategic dimension to the network and site dimensions. The paper, furthermore, offers the groundwork of developing relationship maps of the site and network capabilities, network configuration and coordination, and the structural and infrastructural dimensions. Research limitations/implications The paper contains a single case study and lacks foundation with a broader data set. Practical implications The results support the decision-making process of the manufacturing network managers who assess, design, and develop their manufacturing networks and attempt to gain transparency by using different levels of analysis. Originality/value The paper is the first attempt to show how the different network and site capabilities contribute to strategy fulfilment, to link the configuration and coordination dimensions of the manufacturing network level, and to link the structural and infrastructural dimensions on the site level. Thus, the authors add to multilevel research in operations management because the authors provide a combined framework for the network- and site-level analysis. more...
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- 2017
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13. Digitale Intensität und Management der Transformation
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Maike Scherrer, Patricia Deflorin, and Niklas Eberhardt
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Geschäftsmodelle ,Digitale Transformation ,658.4: Leitendes Management - Abstract
Digitale Technologien sind zentrale Treiber für das Entwickeln und Umsetzen digitaler Geschäftsmodelle. Die vorliegende Studie zeigt, dass neben der Entwicklung notwendiger Technologien weitere Bausteine wesentlich sind. Das Entwickeln und Umsetzen digitaler Geschäftsmodelle beruht zudem auf der Vernetzung von Prozessen und dem Entwickeln notwendiger Fähigkeiten/Know-how. Weiter sind gezielte Aktivitäten des Managements und des Leaderships notwendig. Die digitale Intensität widerspiegelt den Implementierungsgrad digitaler Technologien und vernetzter Prozesse. Das Management der Transformation bezieht sich auf die Fähigkeiten und das Management/Leadership. Zusammen bilden diese beiden Dimensionen den Digitalisierungsgrad eines Unternehmens. Die Analyse Schweizer Industrieunternehmen zeigt, dass zwischen dem Digitalisierungsgrad eines Unternehmens und der Erhöhung der Prozesseffzienz ein Zusammenhang besteht. Weniger ausgeprägt ist der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Digitalisierungsgrad eines Unternehmens und dem Erzielen von Mehrwerten aus Produkten und Dienstleistungen. Dies könnte daran liegen, dass der Mehrwert von Produkten und Dienstleitungen nicht durch eine reine Weiterentwicklung von Technologien und vernetzten Prozessen generiert werden kann, sondern ein passendes Geschäftsmodell benötigt wird. more...
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- 2017
14. The role of ICT-based information systems in knowledge transfer within multinational companies
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Betim Cico, Adrian Besimi, Kreshnik Vukatana, Patricia Deflorin, Kozeta Sevrani, Maike Scherrer, Levente Szász, and Bela Rácz
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Knowledge management ,business.industry ,05 social sciences ,Subject (philosophy) ,Knowledge transfer ,Context (language use) ,658.4: Leitendes Management ,Manufacturing network ,Multinational corporation ,Information and Communications Technology ,0502 economics and business ,Multinational companies ,Information system ,050211 marketing ,business ,050203 business & management ,Information Systems - Abstract
This paper focuses on the internal network of multinational companies (MNC) and aims to investigate the role of information systems (IS) based on modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in transferring knowledge between different plants of the MNC, a subject still debated in the literature. To shed more light on this relationship, we propose that in the context of the MNC, the plant’s role in the knowledge network has to be taken into consideration. The analysis is based on a case study approach with interviews conducted at thirteen manufacturing plants. Data analysis shows that plants can have two basic roles in the knowledge network: knowledge senders or knowledge receivers. Knowledge sending plants see IS less supportive in transferring knowledge, while most knowledge receivers rely heavily on some form of IS. Furthermore, IS proved unhelpful if the quality of data entered in the system was low, or when strategic support to allocate resources to use IS was missing. more...
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- 2017
15. Prerequisite for lateral knowledge flow in manufacturing networks
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Maike Scherrer and Patricia Deflorin
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Engineering ,Knowledge management ,Process (engineering) ,Strategy and Management ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Lateral knowledge flow ,Single-subject design ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Originality ,Knowledge flow ,0502 economics and business ,Similarity (psychology) ,media_common ,Global manufacturing networks ,business.industry ,05 social sciences ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Strategic objectives ,Computer Science Applications ,Product (business) ,Control and Systems Engineering ,Portfolio ,050211 marketing ,business ,Knowledge transfer ,050203 business & management ,Software - Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the prerequisites for lateral knowledge transfer in manufacturing networks. Design/methodology/approach Data stem from a single case study involving 26 interviews at the management level of a manufacturing network and a survey of 17 manufacturing plants in the network. Findings The requirements for lateral knowledge transfer between knowledge-sending and knowledge-receiving plants are similar strategic orientation, product portfolio similarity and process similarity. If the knowledge-sending and knowledge-receiving plants meet at least one of these requirements, then knowledge transfer is facilitated. Plant age, functional ties and geographical proximity do not seem to be important in lateral knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications The results come from a single case study, limiting their generalisability. Further research should consider the influence of the network’s coordination mechanism on lateral knowledge transfer. Originality/value The paper investigates prerequisites for lateral knowledge transfer in manufacturing networks, shedding light on the fundamental factors that must be in place at the knowledge-sending and knowledge-receiving plants. more...
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- 2017
16. Manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing: effects of contingencies
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, and Gopesh Anand
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Transaction cost ,Fexibility ,business.industry ,Strategy and Management ,Production ,General Decision Sciences ,Competitive advantage ,Business studies ,Outsourcing ,Asset specificity ,658.4: Leitendes Management ,Manufacturing ,Management of Technology and Innovation ,Organizational learning ,Resource-based view ,Dynamic capabilities ,Marketing ,business ,Industrial organization - Abstract
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organizational context on the relationships between outsourcing and manufacturing flexibility. In doing so, the authors study four types of manufacturing flexibility: product, mix, volume, and labor competence flexibility.Design/methodology/approach– Based on transaction cost economics theory and resource-based view of competitive advantage, the authors focus on economies of scale and scope, asset specificity, organizational learning, and dynamic capabilities as contingencies affecting outsourcing-flexibility relationships. Combining theoretically developed propositions with insights from case studies of 11 manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their manufacturing, the authors derive grounded hypotheses.Findings– Empirical results show that in some cases the effects of outsourcing on different types of manufacturing flexibility vary based upon some contingency factors.Research limitations/implications– Due to the qualitative nature and the geographical focus of the empirical examination, applicability of the findings to other contexts may be limited.Practical implications– The authors point out specific contingencies that managers should consider when targeting manufacturing flexibility through outsourcing.Originality/value– This paper presents the interrelationships among outsourcing of manufacturing activities, four types of manufacturing flexibilities, and theoretically derived contingencies. Based on evidence from the analyzed cases, the authors find indications that some contingencies moderate outsourcing-flexibility relationships. In addition, this paper introduces a new type of manufacturing flexibility: labor competence flexibility, which is defined as the ability of a company's workforce to deal with technology driven additions to and subtractions from products over time. more...
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- 2014
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17. Exploiting the potential of manufacturing network embeddedness : an OM perspective
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Ruggero Golini, Patricia Deflorin, and Maike Scherrer
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Embeddedness ,Plant autonomy ,Strategy and Management ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Supply chain ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,General Decision Sciences ,02 engineering and technology ,Affect (psychology) ,Structural equation modeling ,Management of Technology and Innovation ,0502 economics and business ,Operations management ,Operational performance ,Set (psychology) ,media_common ,021103 operations research ,Manufacturing network embeddedness ,05 social sciences ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Environmental economics ,Settore ING-IND/35 - Ingegneria Economico-Gestionale ,Internal/external integration ,Confirmatory factor analysis ,Strategic management ,Business ,050203 business & management ,Autonomy - Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide guidance in setting the level of autonomy (i.e. parental control) of plants in a network to enhance operational performance. In particular, the effect of autonomy on performance is analysed directly and indirectly through internal manufacturing network integration (MNI) and external supply chain integration (SCI) as two dimensions of manufacturing network embeddedness. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on data from 441 manufacturing plants in 17 countries. Data were gathered during the Sixth International Manufacturing Strategy Survey. Five main constructs were obtained after carrying out a confirmatory factor analysis: plant autonomy, internal MNI, external SCI, efficiency and effectiveness. Direct and indirect relationships among the constructs are tested through a structural equation model. Findings Higher levels of autonomy correlate with higher effectiveness and similar efficiency. However, lower autonomy leads to higher levels of manufacturing network and SCI, which enhance performance. Although not statistically significant, the analysis of the total effects reveals a mildly positive effect of autonomy on effectiveness and negative effect on efficiency, which requires further investigation. Research limitations/implications Further research could include headquarters’ perspectives or additional determinants (e.g. business strategy objectives). Practical implications Managers should set autonomy levels strategically: higher for effectiveness and lower for efficiency. However, lower autonomy can also strengthen internal MNI and external SCI, thus improving operational performance. Originality/value The concept of manufacturing network embeddedness highlights the importance of considering external supply chain and internal MNI in the same framework, as both dimensions can affect operational performance. more...
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- 2016
18. Benefits of internal manufacturing network integration : the moderating effect of country context
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer, and Levente Szász
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Strategy and Management ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Subsidiary ,General Decision Sciences ,Developing country ,Knowledge transfer ,Context (language use) ,Management of Technology and Innovation ,Country context ,0502 economics and business ,Quality (business) ,Operations management ,Operational performance ,Industrial organization ,Internal integration ,media_common ,Flexibility (engineering) ,05 social sciences ,1. No poverty ,Manufacturing networks ,Moderation ,658: Allgemeines Management ,8. Economic growth ,050211 marketing ,Business ,Developed country ,050203 business & management - Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer deeper insight into the relationship between a subsidiary’s internal integration in its manufacturing network and subsidiary-level operational performance by taking into account the country context of the respective subsidiary. Design/methodology/approach – Subsidiary-level information is gathered using the sixth round of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey, thus including 507 subsidiaries from 22 countries. Country context is operationalised using the Global Competitiveness Report published by the World Economic Forum. Findings – The findings reveal that internal integration has a positive influence on operational performance improvement. Country context acts as a moderator on this relationship: subsidiaries in less developed countries are only able to improve their effectiveness (quality, flexibility, delivery), while developed country subsidiaries gain both effectiveness and efficiency (cost, time) benefits from internal integration. Research limitations/implications – The unit of analysis is the knowledge-receiving subsidiary without taking the characteristics of the sending unit or that of the whole network of subsidiaries into account. Based on the context-dependency of the integration-performance relationship found in this paper, a future research agenda is proposed including further factors (absorptive capacity, knowledge complementarity, organisational practices) that could influence this relationship. Practical implications – Subsidiary managers in less developed countries should strive to acquire intra-network knowledge related to effectiveness, while managers in developed countries can expect both efficiency and effectiveness benefits. Originality/value – A large-scale survey encompassing subsidiaries from both emerging and developed countries is used to offer deeper insight into the relationship between internal integration and performance. The paper provides a possible explanation for previous mixed findings on this relationship. The differentiation between efficiency and effectiveness performance shows that country context represents an important factor that moderates the integration-performance relationship. more...
- Published
- 2016
19. Challenges in the transformation to lean production from different manufacturing-process choices: a path-dependent perspective
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Maike Scherrer-Rathje and Patricia Deflorin
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Engineering ,Process (engineering) ,business.industry ,Strategy and Management ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Automotive industry ,Management Science and Operations Research ,Business studies ,Lean manufacturing ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Transformation (music) ,Manufacturing engineering ,Transformation ,Craft ,Lean project management ,Craft production ,Perspective ,Path-dependent ,Challenge ,business ,Industrial organization - Abstract
The implementation of lean production remains popular among industrial companies, and the requirement for individualised steps in its implementation is widely accepted; however, research has not yet considered the different process choices available to the companies. The conclusions drawn from the automotive industry's mass production environment may be misleading, given the different conditions of many other industries. We therefore compare case data from a craft producer with the rich, case-study based literature of mass producer companies that highlight the transformation from mass to lean production. We derive a list of specific challenges a craft producer must approach using a different strategy than a mass producer. This study adds to the lean production theory by demonstrating how different manufacturing process choices influence the lean transformation process and its successful implementation. It provides specific propositions concerning the transformation to lean by considering the different processes of craft and mass production companies. Furthermore, the case study gives an in-depth understanding of the challenges a craft-oriented company faces when becoming lean. more...
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- 2012
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20. The lead factory concept: benefiting from efficient knowledge transfer
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Markus Lang, Helmut Dietl, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, Patricia Deflorin, University of Zurich, and Deflorin, Patricia
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Engineering ,Strategy and Management ,Knowledge transfer ,2207 Control and Systems Engineering ,Network ,Business studies ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,10004 Department of Business Administration ,Manufacturing ,1706 Computer Science Applications ,1408 Strategy and Management ,Production (economics) ,Factory overhead ,2209 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Adaptation (computer science) ,Archetype ,670: Industrielle und handwerkliche Fertigung ,338: Produktion ,business.industry ,Manufacturing industry ,Lead Factory ,Industrial engineering ,Manufacturing engineering ,330 Economics ,Computer Science Applications ,1712 Software ,Factory ,Control and Systems Engineering ,Factory (object-oriented programming) ,business ,Software - Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare two distinct network structures to determine and show which structure is more profitable. Specifically, it aims to show which factors render the lead factory concept advantageous.Design/methodology/approachBased on a simple, two‐stage model for prototype and serial production, the authors highlight factors that determine the relative advantages and disadvantages of the lead factory concept in comparison to an archetype network. The archetype network mirrors those networks that have not implemented special strategic plant roles.FindingsThe analysis shows that the lead factory concept benefits from an efficient knowledge transfer. Particularly, it is more profitable than the archetype network under the following conditions: there are a high number of production plants; the adaptation costs for implementing the transferred prototype from the lead factory to the plant are low; the manufacturing costs for the prototype are high; and the manufacturing processes are not highly specific or knowledge intensive.Originality/valueThe paper enables better understanding of the conditions under which the lead factory concept is advantageous for transferring knowledge within an intra‐firm network. more...
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- 2012
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21. Learning to be lean: the influence of external information sources in lean improvements
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Maike Scherrer-Rathje, Todd A. Boyle, and Ian Stuart
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Engineering ,Knowledge management ,Strategy and Management ,Source ,Lean laboratory ,Lean manufacturing ,Business studies ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Lean project management ,Software_SOFTWAREENGINEERING ,Information ,Manufacturing ,Improvement ,ComputerSystemsOrganization_SPECIAL-PURPOSEANDAPPLICATION-BASEDSYSTEMS ,business.industry ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,nutritional and metabolic diseases ,Human performance technology ,Computer Science Applications ,Test (assessment) ,ComputingMilieux_MANAGEMENTOFCOMPUTINGANDINFORMATIONSYSTEMS ,Management information systems ,Influence ,Control and Systems Engineering ,ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDSOCIETY ,business ,Software - Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of management exposure to external information sources, such as training sessions, plant visits, and conferences, in helping manufacturing organizations achieve lean goals.Design/methodology/approachA model is proposed highlighting the relationship between various key drivers of lean, external information sources, management commitment to lean, and lean thinking. To empirically test the model, 1,000 surveys were mailed to Canadian manufacturers with 109 usable surveys returned. Analyzing the data using partial least squares, the common sources of management information on lean and their effectiveness for lean improvements are discussed.FindingsThe final model confirms that management exposure to external information sources and commitment to lean both influence lean thinking within organizations. However, the direct relationship between external information sources and lean thinking is not supported. Instead, an indirect relationship exists, where increased exposure to sources of lean information, increases management commitment to lean, and ultimately the extent of lean thinking in the organization.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of this research are that it will help manufacturing managers identify both organizational and environmental factors that may facilitate or inhibit the extensive use of lean in their organization, and the impact that their own understanding of lean and commitment to lean improvements will have on the overall success of a lean program.Originality/valueThe paper should help improve understanding of the differences in the extent of lean thinking between plants in the same company, organizations in the same industry, and organizations across industries. more...
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- 2011
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22. An empirical examination of the best practices to ensure manufacturing flexibility
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Todd A. Boyle and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
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Flexibility (engineering) ,Engineering ,Process management ,business.industry ,Strategy and Management ,Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing ,Best practice ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Lean manufacturing ,Examination ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Manufacturing engineering ,Computer Science Applications ,Manufacturing ,Computer-integrated manufacturing ,Control and Systems Engineering ,Process development execution system ,Advanced manufacturing ,business ,Software ,Alignment ,Manufacturing execution system - Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the best practices managers use to improve manufacturing flexibility and ensure the tools and techniques selected for flexibility improvement are in line with broader organizational and manufacturing goals, such as lean production. Design/methodology/approach: A number of best practices are identified based on a review and synthesis of the conceptual frameworks for improving manufacturing flexibility and are presented to North American manufacturing managers. Results of analyzing the data from 168 managers indicate the best practices, techniques, and major groups involved in improving flexibility. Findings: Results support these best practices, with the most important practices being: incorporating the role of manufacturing flexibility into the manufacturing strategy; identifying the major potential sources of uncertainty faced by the manufacturing department; and identifying the general capability of the manufacturing department to address these potential sources of uncertainty. The results also indicate a growing preference to reducing sources of uncertainty, in addition to responding to it, as demonstrated by the use of lean tools and practices. Originality/value: This research empirically develops a framework linking manufacturing flexibility and lean decisions; and subsequently addressing an area under examined by the extant literature. In addition, this study empirically tests many of the best flexibility practices identified in the literature and in doing so provides some empirical support for the frameworks developed in previous studies. This research also highlights the practices, which managers should consider when attempting to improve flexibility in their manufacturing facility, while keeping in mind broader organizational strategies such as lean. more...
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- 2009
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23. Lean, take two! Reflections from the second attempt at lean implementation
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Todd A. Boyle, Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, University of Zurich, and Boyle, T A
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1403 Business and International Management ,Marketing ,Process management ,Supply chain ,Case study ,Lean production ,Lean laboratory ,Human performance technology ,Lean manufacturing ,330 Economics ,658.4: Leitendes Management ,Value stream mapping ,10004 Department of Business Administration ,ComputingMilieux_MANAGEMENTOFCOMPUTINGANDINFORMATIONSYSTEMS ,Lean project management ,Practices ,Lean IT ,Lean software development ,Operations management ,Business ,Business and International Management ,1406 Marketing ,Best management - Abstract
It’s not easy being lean. And for many companies, getting lean right the first time does not always happen. Lean is a management philosophy focused on identifying and eliminating waste throughout a product’s entire value stream, extending not only within the organization but also along the company’s supply chain network. Lean promises significant benefits in terms of waste reduction, and increased organizational and supply chain communication and integration. Implementing lean, however, and achieving the levels of organizational commitment, employee autonomy, and information transparency needed to ensure its success is a daunting task. This article describes in detail two lean implementation projects within the same company: a global manufacturer of food processing machines and equipment. The first project was a failure, while the second is viewed as a success. Examining these projects in detail, the major criteria and conditions that led to either lean failure or lean success are identified. Based on these conditions, we highlight a number of lessons learned, all of which may help other organizations ensure the success of their own lean implementation and improvement efforts. more...
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- 2009
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24. The Whole Picture: Integrating Site and Network Dimensions in Site Roles
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Simone Thomas, Patricia Deflorin, Maria Fischl, and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
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Engineering ,Measure (data warehouse) ,business.industry ,Site role ,Site manager ,Perspective (graphical) ,Network ,computer.software_genre ,Data science ,Business studies ,Picture ,Visualization ,Manufacturing network ,Site classification framework ,658.1: Organisation und Finanzen ,Portfolio ,Data mining ,Dimension (data warehouse) ,Dimension ,business ,computer ,Operation ,Strengths and weaknesses - Abstract
In this chapter, we develop a site classification framework that combines manufacturing site advantages with manufacturing network-level targets. This framework is the first step for a company-specific site role portfolio. The framework helps to visualise site strengths and weaknesses from a capability- and knowledge-based perspective. Further, it highlights the site’s contribution to the network targets and combines site- and network-level dimensions. To develop the site classification framework, we extend Ferdows’ (1997) introduced dimensions of location advantages and competences with the interconnection of sites from a knowledge-based view. We use a single case study to refine the theoretically derived framework. We add to existing theory because we apply a multi-level perspective and derive methods to measure a sites contribution to the network. In addition, we provide global site managers with a helpful visualisation tool. more...
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- 2014
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25. International R&D and Manufacturing Networks: Dynamism, Structure and Absorptive Capacity
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, Helmut Dietl, Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich (UZH), University of St.Gallen (HSG), Christos Emmanouilidis, Marco Taisch, Dimitris Kiritsis, TC 5, WG 5.7, University of Zurich, Emmanouilidis, C, Taisch, M, and Kiritsis, D more...
- Subjects
Lead factory ,Context (language use) ,1710 Information Systems ,Innovative ,10004 Department of Business Administration ,Absorptive capacity ,Manufacturing ,1705 Computer Networks and Communications ,0502 economics and business ,1802 Information Systems and Management ,[INFO]Computer Science [cs] ,Factory ,Dynamism ,New product introduction ,Industrial organization ,Distributed manufacturing ,R&D ,business.industry ,05 social sciences ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,330 Economics ,Management ,Multinational corporation ,New product development ,050211 marketing ,business ,050203 business & management - Abstract
Part 3: Human Factors, Learning and Innovation; International audience; We analyze the absorptive capacity (AC) process of a manufacturing company with central R&D and an internationally distributed manufacturing network. Prior research shows that an implementation of the lead factory (LF) is especially supportive if the international manufacturing network struggles with implementing new products and processes. We analyze determinants of AC and show that, in addition to prior related knowledge of the receiving plant, structure can have an even stronger influence. We show that in the case of a low level of prior related knowledge and a low level of AC within the receiving plants as well as high technological heterogeneity between plants and LF, the implementation of an LF may not lead to the expected result. In addition, we conclude that the analysis of the AC process has to move from a single unit to a network. This helps to understand the AC concept in the context of multinational companies. more...
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Produzieren in Hochlohnländern : angespannte Wirtschaftslage führt zu verstärkter strategischer Fokussierung
- Author
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, and University of Zurich
- Subjects
10004 Department of Business Administration ,338: Produktion ,Strategy and Management ,2200 General Engineering ,1408 Strategy and Management ,General Engineering ,1803 Management Science and Operations Research ,Management Science and Operations Research ,330 Economics - Abstract
Standorte in Hochlohnländern können in guter, wie auch in angespannter Wirtschaftslage erfolgreich agieren. Während in einer guten Wirtschaftslage Strategien verfolgt werden, welche die Adressierung mehrerer Differenzierungsfaktoren beinhalten, werden in einer angespannten Wirtschaftslage klare strategische Fokussierung gelegt. Beiden Wirtschaftslagen ist gemeinsam, dass Maßnahmen und Fähigkeiten auf die anvisierte Strategie abzustimmen sind. more...
- Published
- 2013
27. Trade-offs are not exogenous
- Author
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Patricia Deflorin, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, University of Zurich, and Deflorin, Patricia
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100 Philosophy ,338: Produktion ,Management science ,Strategy and Management ,Research ,Trade offs ,Trade-off ,1803 Management Science and Operations Research ,Management Science and Operations Research ,10092 Institute of Philosophy ,Business studies ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,330 Economics ,Competition (economics) ,Product (business) ,10004 Department of Business Administration ,Action (philosophy) ,1408 Strategy and Management ,Business ,2209 Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Exogenous ,Industrial organization ,Product - Abstract
Trade-offs between competitive priorities are often seen as exogenous – managers accept them as a given downside while simultaneously addressing multiple competitive priorities. However, some companies seem to face fewer trade-offs than others. The question is how companies reduce their trade-offs to successfully compete on multiple competitive priorities simultaneously. We address this question by theorising that bundles of action programmes are needed to reduce trade-offs between competitive priorities. We examine four Swiss manufacturing plants and show how the selection of action programmes influences the simultaneous competition on multiple competitive priorities. We show that successful competition on multiple competitive priorities does not happen by accident but is achieved by aligning competitive priorities, action programmes, infrastructural/structural changes and contextual factors. more...
- Published
- 2013
28. An end-user taxonomy of enterprise systems flexibility : evidence from a leading European apparel manufacturer
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Todd A. Boyle and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
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Enterprise systems engineering ,Knowledge management ,business.industry ,Computer science ,Entreprise system ,Enterprise integration ,Library and Information Sciences ,Enterprise modelling ,Computer Science Applications ,658.4: Leitendes Management ,Enterprise life cycle ,Information system flexibility ,Enterprise application integration ,Enterprise information system ,business ,Enterprise planning system ,Information Systems ,Enterprise software - Abstract
Through this research the authors identify the major dimensions of enterprise systems flexibility from the perspective of various end users. To explore the concept of enterprise systems flexibility, on-site interviews were conducted with 20 members of a leading European clothing manufacturer, ranging from functional employees to the CEO. Results of analyzing the data using content analysis highlight that end users view Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) flexibility in terms of five major dimensions, specifically system connectivity, process integration, hierarchical integration, user-customizability, and consistency. more...
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- 2012
29. Aligning manufacturing strategy content with heterogeneous requirements
- Author
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Patricia Deflorin and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
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Manufacturing ,Requirement ,Manufacturing Strategy, Practices, Context ,658.5: Produktionssteuerung ,Heterogeneous ,Aligning - Abstract
This article expands the existing body of knowledge of manufacturing strategy research as it highlights the influence of context factors on manufacturing strategy content. A sound theoretical foundation is given for the proposition that context factors not only influence competitive priorities but as well the second dimension, the action programs. Whereas various studies showed that companies are in need to compete on multiple competitive priorities simultaneously, research is needed in order to understand how these requirements can be successfully implemented. We find that while the competition on multiple competitive priorities can lead to trade-offs, concerted actions help to minimize the negative effects and can lead to a strong market position. However, the concerted actions have to be aligned to context factors as this influence the success of the action program. Therefore, context factors not only influence the requirement to compete on multiple competitive priorities but define as well which actions are needed in order to gain a strong market position. more...
- Published
- 2011
30. The Lead Factory Concept: Benefiting from an Efficient Knowledge Transfer
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Patricia Deflorin, Helmut Dietl, Markus Lang, and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
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050402 sociology ,Cost–benefit analysis ,Computer science ,05 social sciences ,jel:D83 ,Network structure ,jel:D21 ,Manufacturing engineering ,jel:L60 ,jel:M11 ,Lead (geology) ,0504 sociology ,0502 economics and business ,Factory (object-oriented programming) ,Production (economics) ,Adaptation (computer science) ,Decision model ,Knowledge transfer ,Operations Management, Manufacturing, Lead Factory, Knowledge Transfer, Cost Benefit Analysis ,050203 business & management - Abstract
This paper analyses the effectiveness of knowledge transfer between research and development (R&D) and intra-firm production units. Specifically, two distinct network structures are compared: the lead factory concept and traditional networks of R&D and production. Based on an analytical two-stage decision model for prototype and serial production, we highlight relevant factors that determine the relative advantages and disadvantages of the lead factory concept in comparison to a traditional network structure. In particular, the lead factory concept is more cost-efficient than the traditional network if there are a high number of production plants, the adaptation costs for implementing the transferred prototype from the lead factory to the plant are low, the manufacturing costs for the prototype are high, and the manufacturing processes are not highly specific or knowledge intensive. more...
- Published
- 2010
31. Outsourcing and its Impact on Manufacturing Flexibility: Contingencies Matter
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Maike Scherrer-Rathje, Patricia Deflorin, and Gopesh Anand
- Subjects
Flexibility, outsourcing, contingency factors, supply chain management, multiple case study - Abstract
Despite the growing prevalence of outsourcing in manufacturing organizations, research examining how outsourcing impacts different types of flexibility is considerably lacking. This study seeks to advance our understanding of this relatively unexplored relationship by examining how outsourcing influences product, process, volume, and labor flexibilities. To achieve this goal, a mixed case study approach with eleven manufacturing companies that outsourced some portion of their product development or manufacturing activities is used. Our findings indicate that contingencies such as the speed of learning, the accuracy of transfer of learning, absorptive and desorptive capacities, and the distribution of power between the procuring and provider companies determine whether the effects of outsourcing on manufacturing flexibility are positive, negative, or if the type of flexibility is not affected at all. We find that process and product flexibility are impacted mainly positively by outsourcing, while the effects on volume and labor flexibility are ambiguous. A company that decides to outsource must therefore carefully analyze the possible consequences of outsourcing on different flexibility types and in relation to multiple contingencies. more...
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- 2010
32. International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS): Trends and Challenges of Swiss Manufacturing Companies
- Author
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Patricia Deflorin and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
- Subjects
Manufacturing Strategy, Practices, Context - Abstract
Produzierende Unternehmen stehen einer Vielzahl an Herausforderungen gegenüber. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht, wie produzierende Unternehmen auf das rauhere Wirtschaftsumfeld reagieren und zeigt auf, mit welchen Strategien und Methoden die Unternehmen die gesetzten Ziele versuchen zu erreichen. Die Studie ist Teil einer internationalen Befragung von Universitäten aus 33 Ländern. more...
- Published
- 2009
33. Das Konzept der Leitfabrik als Antwort auf das Innovations-/Effizienz-Dilemma in Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken
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Patricia Deflorin, Helmut Dietl, and Maike Scherrer-Rathje
- Subjects
Leitfabrik, Wertschöpfungsnetzwerk, Innovation, Effizienz - Abstract
Das simultane Streben nach Innovation und Effizienz lösen Unternehmen oftmals durch die organisatorische Trennung von Forschung und Entwicklung (F&E) und Produktion. Diese traditionellen Wertschöpfungs¬netzwerke stoßen aufgrund von Koordinations¬problemen vermehrt an ihre Grenzen. Das Konzept der Leitfabrik als organisatorischer Intermediär stellt eine geeignete Möglichkeit dar, diese Koordinationsprobleme zu überwinden. Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf, dass die Etablierung einer Leitfabrik vor allem dann erfolgreich ist, wenn der wissensökonomische Reifegrad tief ist und die Unternehmen eine Adaptionsstrategie verfolgen. more...
- Published
- 2009
34. Learning to be lean: the influence of external information sources in lean improvements.
- Author
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Todd A. Boyle, Maike Scherrer-Rathje, and Ian Stuart
- Subjects
LEAN management ,INFORMATION resources ,PRODUCTION management (Manufacturing) ,GOAL (Psychology) ,DATA analysis ,ORGANIZATIONAL commitment ,STRATEGIC planning ,MANUFACTURING processes & the environment - Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of management exposure to external information sources, such as training sessions, plant visits, and conferences, in helping manufacturing organizations achieve lean goals. Design/methodology/approach - A model is proposed highlighting the relationship between various key drivers of lean, external information sources, management commitment to lean, and lean thinking. To empirically test the model, 1,000 surveys were mailed to Canadian manufacturers with 109 usable surveys returned. Analyzing the data using partial least squares, the common sources of management information on lean and their effectiveness for lean improvements are discussed. Findings - The final model confirms that management exposure to external information sources and commitment to lean both influence lean thinking within organizations. However, the direct relationship between external information sources and lean thinking is not supported. Instead, an indirect relationship exists, where increased exposure to sources of lean information, increases management commitment to lean, and ultimately the extent of lean thinking in the organization. Practical implications - The practical implications of this research are that it will help manufacturing managers identify both organizational and environmental factors that may facilitate or inhibit the extensive use of lean in their organization, and the impact that their own understanding of lean and commitment to lean improvements will have on the overall success of a lean program. Originality/value - The paper should help improve understanding of the differences in the extent of lean thinking between plants in the same company, organizations in the same industry, and organizations across industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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