Manufacturing practices and performance: Comparison among small‐medium and large industries
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 11 January 2011
Abstract
Purpose
This exploratory study aims to investigate relationships of current manufacturing practices and their performance with the size of the manufacturing organizations. The study also seeks to identify the practices that significantly influence their manufacturing performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Relationships of current manufacturing practices and their performance are investigated using established scales including competitive advantage, quality and reliability practices, advanced quality practices, supplier relationship, field data and information exchange, product data management, manufacturing performance. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and regression model were used in order to fulfil the objectives of the study. The survey was administered to top managers across the manufacturing industry.
Findings
The results of the study indicate that there are significant differences in the strategic approach of small and medium (SMI) and large industries (LI). In terms of manufacturing performances, SMIs are marginally ahead of large industries (LIs). SMIs consider product quality and reliability as a basic competitive advantage, while LIs consider company reputation as the import competitive dimension.
Research limitations/implications
Possibility of method variance or response biases are limitations of this study, as all data are drawn from employee surveys, and there is some selection bias, as it was not possible to directly compare respondents with non‐respondents.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing practices and performance literature by providing further statistically significant evidence of the relationships of current practices and performance across the size of industries.
Keywords
Citation
Islam, M. and Karim, A. (2011), "Manufacturing practices and performance: Comparison among small‐medium and large industries", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 43-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711111097544
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited