Title: An empirical investigation of the relationships between manufacturing flexibility and product quality

Authors: Narayan C. Nayak; Pradip K. Ray

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721 302, India. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721 302, India

Abstract: The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the relationships between production system flexibility and product quality. The impetus for this study was initiated by an argument that flexibility and quality are two elements that compete with each other, and that firms need to make a trade-off decision between the two. The relationships between the two operational measures are based on various dimensions of flexibility and different indicators of product quality. This research identified certain gaps in the literature and formulated hypotheses. Using a case study data drawn from a leading automobile engine manufacturing firm in India, the hypothesised relationships are validated developing path models. There exists much theoretical work and case studies on flexibility and quality control, while this research provides basic knowledge for developing a formal process for identifying, implementing and monitoring manufacturing flexibility to achieve acceptable product quality. The relationship between flexibility and quality is relatively limited, especially with respect to specific measures. The study reports the critical findings that have implications for both manufacturers as well as researchers.

Keywords: manufacturing flexibility; product quality; structural equation modelling; India; flexible manufacturing; automobile industry; automotive manufacturing; engine manufacturing; quality control.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOM.2012.043959

International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management, 2012 Vol.2 No.1, pp.26 - 44

Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

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