International manufacturing configuration map: a self‐assessment tool of international manufacturing capabilities

Abstract

Introduces a practical tool ‐ an international manufacturing configuration “map” ‐ for the identification of international manufacturing network patterns and assessment of related strategic capabilities. Describes the research work and its application‐oriented research method. Builds on the frameworks developed in different industries in the first stage of the project and explains how a “map” can represent typical international manufacturing network configurations and relationships. Introduces a practical process for using the map, involving the identification of current network configurations of main product lines and the strategic capabilities of the configurations. Presents an industrial example and describes its practical industrial application. Draws conclusions about the applicability of the technique and its potential as part of an understanding of international manufacturing system analysis and design.

Citation

Shi, Y., Gregory, M. and Naylor, M. (1997), "International manufacturing configuration map: a self‐assessment tool of international manufacturing capabilities", Integrated Manufacturing Systems, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 273-282. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576069710179724