Homogeneity of manufacturing choices in subcontractor SMEs
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 7 March 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the choices made in manufacturing decision categories by subcontractor small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and determines if subcontractor SMEs make homogenous manufacturing choices.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review was used to develop theoretical propositions. A multiple case study with 19 subcontractor SMEs was conducted.
Findings
Factors that might lead to homogenous choices in the manufacturing strategy decision categories were formalised into four theoretical propositions. The propositions were based on new institutionalism factors as well as SME factors. The findings reveal that there is considerable heterogeneity across the subcontractor SMEs in the various manufacturing decision categories. However, there are similarities between some manufacturing choices. This can partly be explained by the proposed factors and partly by other factors, such as SME characteristics and process choices.
Research limitations/implications
The study reinforces the need for more research that is focused on manufacturing decisions and choices in SMEs. All cases were of Swedish SMEs belonging to three different industries, potentially limiting the generalisability of findings to other industries or countries.
Practical implications
This study highlights the importance of the different choices made considering manufacturing and the factors influencing those choices. This provides guidance for managers when they make manufacturing choices in various decision categories.
Originality/value
By addressing new institutionalism, SME characteristics and decision categories in the same study, the author provides new insights into the categories of manufacturing decisions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful for the partial financial support granted from Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) and Sparbanken Alfa Stiftelsen. The results presented in this paper were based on data from 19 companies participating in three different research projects to which I owe deep gratitude. The author also wants to acknowledge Swerea Swecast AB, Polymercentrum AB and IUC Gnosjöregionen AB whom the author collaborated with in the different projects. Professor Mats Winroth, Chalmers University of Technology, and Professor Kristina Säfsten, Jönköping University deserves a special thanks for the constructive comments and discussions.
Citation
Löfving, M. (2016), "Homogeneity of manufacturing choices in subcontractor SMEs", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 261-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-03-2014-0024
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited