A review of manufacturing flexibility: systematising the concept |
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Authors: | Marta Pérez Pérez Ana María Serrano Bedia María Concepción López Fernández |
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Affiliation: | Business Administration, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain |
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Abstract: | The present work is an attempt to contribute to the conceptual systematisation of the manufacturing flexibility types by synthesising the vast literature available after a systematic review. We classified the papers in two perspectives (hierarchical and strategic), and engaged in a systematic process of standardisation of the definitions and names of various flexibility types leading to a better understanding of them. This process allowed us to clearly show: (a) the existence of a broader consensus in the field than expected; (b) that problems are limited to concrete aspects related to the level of analysis or the scope of certain flexibility types; (c) the possibility of a theoretical integration between the two perspectives which would permit a standardisation of the names and definitions for the flexibility types which make up the manufacturing flexibility construct. |
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Keywords: | flexibility manufacturing flexibility types of flexibility conceptual sistematisation review |
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