An empirical study of time-based competition in the North American automotive supplier industry

The importance of responding to time-based competitive pressures has prompt ed US manufacturers to emphasize time-based performance and deploy strategi c action programs aimed at cycle time reduction. This study examines time-b ased competition among first tier suppliers to the Big Three in North Ameri ca. A comprehensive set of time-based performance measures is defined and t ime-related action programs associated with world class manufacturing strat egies are identified. Relationships between time-related action programs, t ime-based performance, and overall firm performance are examined. The study shows that time-based performance significantly affects overall firm perfo rmance and that manufacturing lead time is especially critical in the! auto motive industry. The study also identifies strategic action programs that r esult in improved performance on various dimensions of time-based performan ce.