The relationship among modularity, functional coordination, and mass customization: Implications for competitiveness

Sohel Ahmad; Roger G. Schroeder; Debasish N. Mallick

doi:10.1108/14601061011013221

The relationship among modularity, functional coordination, and mass customization: Implications for competitiveness

Sohel Ahmad, Roger G. Schroeder, Debasish N. Mallick

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how product modularity (PM) is related to mass customization (MC) capability and plant competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: The paper tests hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling with an international dataset. Findings: PM is not directly related to plant competitiveness. Inter-functional design coordination (IDC) is found to be critical in fostering plant competitiveness. Practical implications: Managers need to put IDC mechanisms in place to foster MC capabilities and, thereby, enhance plant competitiveness. Originality/value: While the existing literature mostly argues for a direct relationship between PM and competitiveness, the paper shows that IDC and MC capability are crucial intervening variables in this relationship.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	46-61
Number of pages	16
Journal	European Journal of Innovation Management
Volume	13
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1108/14601061011013221
State	Published - Jan 1 2010
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Competitive strategy
Design management
Mass customization
Plant efficiency
Product specification

Publisher link

10.1108/14601061011013221

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AU - Mallick, Debasish N.

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AB - Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how product modularity (PM) is related to mass customization (MC) capability and plant competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach: The paper tests hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling with an international dataset. Findings: PM is not directly related to plant competitiveness. Inter-functional design coordination (IDC) is found to be critical in fostering plant competitiveness. Practical implications: Managers need to put IDC mechanisms in place to foster MC capabilities and, thereby, enhance plant competitiveness. Originality/value: While the existing literature mostly argues for a direct relationship between PM and competitiveness, the paper shows that IDC and MC capability are crucial intervening variables in this relationship.

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KW - Design management

KW - Mass customization

KW - Plant efficiency

KW - Product specification

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The relationship among modularity, functional coordination, and mass customization: Implications for competitiveness

Abstract

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