Article Abstract

	Title:	Linking competitive priorities and manufacturing networks: a manufacturing strategy perspective
	Author:	Martin Rudberg
	Address:	Department of Science and Technology Campus Norrkoping, Linkopings Universitet, SE-601 74 Norrkoping, Sweden
	Journal:	International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management 2004 - Vol. 6, No.1/2  pp. 55 - 80
	Abstract:	The general aim of this research is to introduce the traditional manufacturing strategy theory to the emerging research field on manufacturing networks. More specifically, the purpose is to examine the link between the competitive priorities of a firm and the way in which it chooses to organise its manufacturing network. This paper analyses the present literature on manufacturing networks, taking a manufacturing strategy perspective. The study identifies linkages between competitive priorities, network focus, and the manufacturing management within the network. The theory suggests that there should be typical differences between how companies organise their manufacturing networks, depending on which priorities are regarded as the most important. However, the six case companies analysed show that there are successful companies that manage and organise their networks in ways that the literature on the subject does not account for. Suggestions for future research on manufacturing networks are based on these findings.
	Keywords:	case studies; competitive priorities; globalisation; manufacturing networks; manufacturing strategy; MNCs; operations management; supply chain management.
	DOI:	10.1504/IJMTM.2004.004506
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