Managers’ perceptions of flexibility in manufacturing: a study in the Swedish engineering industry

Abstract

Managers’ perceptions of flexibility in manufacturing were investigated in a research case study conducted at six Swedish companies within the engineering industry. The goal of the study was to establish which factors managers considered to be important for manufacturing flexibility and how companies and managers perceived flexibility. The size of the company, the complexity of the products and the level of technology used in production were factors found to be important for issues concerning manufacturing flexibility. The findings have implications for both managers and researchers. Managers should be aware of the lack of conformity in the perception of flexibility within companies and its possible consequences. Gives researchers suggestions based on this study, for further research in manufacturing flexibility.

Citation

Nordahl, H. and Nilsson, C. (1996), "Managers’ perceptions of flexibility in manufacturing: a study in the Swedish engineering industry", Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576069610125076