The manufacturing mix and consulting firms — how different are they in associating tasks with objectives?

Abstract

This work measures links between tasks and manufacturing objectives in Strategic Management Consultants and compares them with previous work in Fast Moving Consumer Goods manufacturers. As these are different industries, managers may use different tasks to accomplish the same objectives. There is some difference but managers use and invest in similar tasks for similar objectives. This suggests managers in different industries can focus firms on specific objectives by choosing to invest in tasks. Alternatively managers in different industries use similar tasks for pursuing similar objectives. Links between tasks and objectives display stability across these industries. Research finds links in general agreement with the sandcone model when all tasks are combined. It further points to the inadequacy of costs as an economic measure.