Managing flexibility strategically: a case-study on repositioning
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2004-10-25
Author(s)
Abstract
The fashion industry requires rapid reaction to changing market demands, and therefore apparel manufacturers place emphasis on developing methodologies to enhance speed, dependability, quality and flexibility at the operational level. However, existing studies have suggested additional research is needed into strategic aspects of, in particular, issues of flexibility and agility. We first describe challenges facing the apparel industry; next we develop a conceptual literature-based strategic flexibility framework to support management decision making within a manufacturing enterprise; we then use findings of an action research project within a major European apparel manufacturer to show how the reconfiguration of an existing value chain can lead to an organization with enhanced strategic flexibility. We conclude by arguing that strategic flexibility can be separated into market and resource flexibility, which are orchestrated through a firm’s coordination ability. Utilizing these dimensions along the value chain allows apparel manufacturers to take advantage of increasing demand variability and to reposition themselves as a flexible vertically integrated firm.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to practical use / society
Refereed
No
Book title
Operations Management 2004 : The Expanding Constellation Complete Papers of the 2nd World Conference on Production and Operations Management
Event Title
2nd World POM Conference 15th Annual POMS Conference
Event Location
Cancun, Mexico
Event Date
29.04-03.05.2004
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
305