The relationship between internal integration and manufacturing flexibility in the Egyptian industry

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the triadic relationship between internal integration, internal flexibility and external flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

This research hypothesized the mediation effect of internal flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and external flexibility. Survey data were collected and analyzed using simple and mediation regression analysis to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The research finding reveals that machine, labor and material handling flexibilities; being as internal flexibility dimensions mediate the relationship between internal integration and volume and mix flexibilities; being as external flexibility dimensions. The results provided insufficient evidence on the mediating effect of routing flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and both volume and mix flexibilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents a new perspective for research studies to understand the factors that affect manufacturing flexibility. However, the nature of the surveyed sample and using of a single informant might limit the generalizability of the research findings.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for firms wishing to enhance their competitiveness through improving their flexibility. The companies should be aware of the importance of developing a suitable platform for coordinating inter-departmental activities to enhance its internal competencies, which, in turn, improve its customer-facing capabilities and boosts its competitiveness.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge by proposing and empirically testing the mediating effect of internal flexibility on the relationship between internal integration and external flexibility.

Citation

Khalaf, M.A. and El Mokadem, M.Y. (2019), "The relationship between internal integration and manufacturing flexibility in the Egyptian industry", International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 16-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-06-2017-0052