Exploring the success factors for examining the potential of manufacturing system output

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the success factors for the assessment of manufacturing system output. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis were used to analyze data and test hypotheses, respectively. A total of 36 observed variables were transformed into nine success factors, namely role of management (ROM), technical strength, employee strength, organizational strength (OS), resources (RS), production system, market research, effective planning, and research and development (RD). Findings The finding indicates that only four success factors, namely ROM, RS, OS, and RD, are positively related to all four outputs. Moreover, all nine success factors are positively associated with profit. Research limitations/implications The outcomes of the present work provide meaningful implications for researchers and practitioners as well. Originality/value Earlier studies have laid focus on single output only in the manufacturing system. In the present study, an effort has been made to focus on four output dimensions, namely final product, customer relationship, reputation, and profit, which are further strengthened by incorporating the concept of performance in manufacturing systems.