Strategic positioning: an integrated decision process for manufacturers

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes research that has sought to create a formal and rational process that guides manufacturers through the strategic positioning decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on a series of case studies to develop and test the decision process.

Findings

A decision process that leads the practitioner through an analytical process to decide which manufacturing activities they should carryout themselves.

Practical implications

Strategic positioning is concerned with choosing those production related activities that an organisations should carry out internally, and those that should be external and under the ownership and control of suppliers, partners, distributors and customers.

Originality/value

This concept extends traditional decision paradigms, such as those associated with “make versus buy” and “outsourcing”, by looking at the interactions between manufacturing operations and the wider supply chain networks associated with the organisation.

Citation

Baines, T., Kay, G., Adesola, S. and Higson, M. (2005), "Strategic positioning: an integrated decision process for manufacturers", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 180-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570510577029