Microsoft PowerPoint gos-chapter4-Competency ppt [Compatibility Mode]

Fig.4.2
 
Scope
and
time
flexibility
Low
High
High
Low
Scope
flexibility
Agility
Full
flexibility
No
flexibility
(The
importance
of
time
uncertainties
to
achieve
a
competitive
strategy)
(The
importance
of
scope
uncertainties
to
achieve
a
competitive
strategy)

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4.3 FLEXIBILITY COMPETENCY
4.3.1 Concepts of flexibility and 
flexibility competency
The dimension of flexibility
3.
Gerwin’s dimensions

Gerwin (1993) identified seven 
dimensions of flexibility: mix, 
changeover, modification, volume, 
rerouting, material and 
responsiveness.

One advantage of Gerwin’s
dimensions is the ability to show 
the linkage of flexibility with 
uncertainties and strategic 
objectives (Table 4.2), with great 
convenience in the application. 
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Table 4.2
A
sample
of
Gerwin’s flexibility
dimensions
in
a
global
environment
Uncertainties 
Strategic objectives 
Flexibility dimension 
Global customer preference 
difference in products 
Diversity of products 
Mix 
Length of product life-cycles
in global competition 
Global R&D competition and 
product innovation 
Changeover
Local product features 
Responsiveness to local 
customers 
Modification

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4.3 FLEXIBILITY COMPETENCY
4.3.1 Concepts of flexibility and 
flexibility competency
The dimension of flexibility
4.
D’Souza and Williams’ 
dimensions

D’Souza and Williams (2000) 
presented a 4-dimension taxonomy 
of flexibility which views 
manufacturing flexibility 
dimensions across two generalized 
categories: “externally-driven 
flexibility”, focused on meeting 
the market needs of the firm; and 
“internally-driven flexibility”, 
focused on the operational 
activities of the firm (Table 
4.3).

Each dimension of manufacturing 
flexibility consists of two 
elements: range and mobility.
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