Dimensions of manufacturing strength in the furniture industry

Published Date
November 1997, Vol.15(4):317–330, doi:10.1016/S0272-6963(97)00012-0

Author 

Shawnee K. Vickery ^,a

Cornelia Dröge ^a

Robert E. Markland ^b

aMichigan State University, Marketing and Supply Chain Management Department, N370 North Business Complex, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA

bUniversity of South Carolina, Mgt. Science and Production Operations, College of Business Administration, Columbia, SC 29208, USA

Accepted 19 September 1996. Available online 10 June 1998.

Abstract

This paper explores dimensions of manufacturing competitive strength in the furniture industry. A theoretically relevant set of manufacturing competitive priorities is identified from the operations literature and factor analyzed to determine the core dimensions of manufacturing performance. Relationships between these core dimensions of manufacturing strength and overall business performance are examined. The results identify four dimensions of manufacturing strength in the furniture industry: innovation, delivery, flexibility, and value, with the latter encompassing the combined effects of quality and cost. The study supports innovation as a key order winner in the furniture industry.

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