The practical development of a make or buy strategy: the issue of process positioning

Abstract

Reports that the make or buy issue is of major concern within manufacturing businesses, being directly linked to the basis on which a firm chooses to compete. Describes the development and use of a systematic approach to formulating a make or buy strategy, intended primarily for engineering manufacturing businesses. The application, in six different business environments, has resulted in a clear view of the utility of the approach, and indicated the areas where it could usefully be further developed. Summarizes the conditions and consequences of the use of the methodology in each case, together with the new aspects resulting from practical experience.

Citation

Probert, D.R. (1996), "The practical development of a make or buy strategy: the issue of process positioning", Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 7 No. 2, pp. 44-51. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576069610111891