Analysing and synthesising multifocused manufacturing strategies by analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

The researchers are keenly searching methods on how to analyse, develop and implement multifocused manufacturing strategies. However, these strategies have not yet been sufficiently tested empirically. This study aims at analysing, synthesising and implementing multifocused competitive strategies empirically by using descriptive and constructive case research mainly in electronics industries. A new method has been proposed and preliminarily verified based on collecting mainly qualitative but to some extent also quantitative information (if stationary enough within the dynamic markets). This method utilises pairwise comparison using an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) by interviewing the experts of the manufacturing strategies and tactics within the whole supply chain. The deviation of the experts' opinions has been taken into special consideration from the points of view of the causes and effects of the deviation in the implementation process of the manufacturing strategies. The cases have been described by using information on the market/competition and pricing situation and weapons, the basic data of the organisation (e.g. ordering principles), technology level, networking structure etc. The generalisability of the results, especially for the synthesis and implementation of manufacturing strategies is rather weak. Although preliminary, local and situational the results are worth further work especially within the implementation of manufacturing strategies in small business.