AN EMPIRICAL-STUDY OF FLEXIBILITY IN MANUFACTURING

DESPITE THE POPULARITY OF FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, MANAGERS SUF FER FROM INADEQUATE FRAMEWORKS TO HELP INCORPORATE FLEXIBILITY into th eir strategic planning. Through a study of thirty-one plants in the pr inted circuit board industry the authors process toward such a framewo rk, define types of flexibility, and examine the relationships among t hem. Their findings have implications for technology, production manag ement, human resource management, supplier relationships, and product development.