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Time-based competence and performance: an empirical analysis

Yahya N. Al Serhan (College of Business Administration, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia,)
Craig C. Julian (Southern Cross Business School, Southern Cross University, Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia)
Zafar Ahmed (Graduate School of Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia)

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

ISSN: 1462-6004

Article publication date: 18 May 2015

1154

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between time-based manufacturing competence (TBMC), time-based competitiveness, time-based manufacturing capability, and the performance of SMEs engaged in the steel minimill industry in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on an empirical investigation of manufacturing firms in the steel minimill industry in the USA. The sample of firms was provided by the US Association of Iron and Steel Engineers. In order to obtain valid and reliable measures of the variables, previously validated scales were used to measure all variables. The primary data for the study were collected from a self-administered mail survey of 137 SMEs with the sample consisting of 71 SMEs indicating a response rate of 52 percent.

Findings

Statistically significant positive relationships were found between all independent variables and performance. The results also indicate that the high performers have a higher TBMC than the low performers. The findings further confirm the assertion in the manufacturing strategy literature which states that time, as a strategic factor, is a source of competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

From a methodological perspective, a potential concern may be that the measures are all self-reported. Consequently, the relationships tested may be susceptible to the influence of common method variance.

Practical implications

TBMC enables SMEs to offer high-quality products at low cost and in a timely manner. This reflects the value of the positive relationship between TBMC and business performance.

Originality/value

This study’s finding identifies the need for time-based competition. The literature suggests that the strategic focus on time enables firms to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage. Nevertheless, this suggestion has been based on conceptual rather than empirical research. The results of this study provide empirical support for that suggestion with respect to SMEs.

Keywords

Citation

Al Serhan, Y.N., Julian, C.C. and Ahmed, Z. (2015), "Time-based competence and performance: an empirical analysis", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 288-301. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-02-2012-0017

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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