Developing and testing integrated flexible manufacturing management model

The purpose of this research is to develop Integrated Flexible Manufacturing Management Model (IFMMM) which provides a framework for management capabilities for manufacturing companies in an integrated management concept. IFMMM is developed upon two concepts; Integrated Management Model (Bleicher, 1999) and manufacturing flexibility concept. Integrated management model is used as a basis for IFMMM and as well as the profiling elements of integrated management model are included in IFMMM. Manufacturing flexibility dimensions, flexibility enablers and as well as the interrelation between these dimensions and enablers are studied with an integrated management context. The selected flexibility dimensions and flexibility enablers are used as elements of strategic and operative levels of IFMMM. Due to the exploratory nature of the research, case study is used as research method. Seven companies from Turkey, operating in different industries have been selected for case research. Based on IFMMM, a questionnaire has been developed to serve as a pattern for face-to-face interviews and as well as web based within company surveys. Interviews with members of top management have been done in each company and within two companies a white collar employee survey has been conducted. The results of the study revealed that companies have different perceived IFMMM based management capabilities at all management levels for each studied company, which is compatible with the existing literature. For each company special focus areas identified to improve IFMMM based management capabilities. Perceived market dynamism and firm performance scores for each company are also presented in the research. The results indicate that IFMMM provides a useful framework for determining current flexible manufacturing management capabilities of manufacturing companies and can be used as guidance for possible improvements.