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Monozukuri capability to address product variety: A comparison between Japanese and German automotive makers

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  • Aoki, Katsuki
  • Staeblein, Thomas
  • Tomino, Takahiro

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide a better understanding of monozukuri capability as a way to address the increasing product variety in industrial firms. To this effect, we conducted a comparative case study at Japanese and German automakers with more than 40 interviews and 30 factory visits from 2007 to 2012. The results were analyzed using a framework incorporating insights from both open system and configurational approaches to organizational analysis. Based on the analysis, this paper examines the characteristics of monozukuri capabilities of Japanese and German makers, and argues for the context-sensitive nature of monozukuri capability, as well as its potential trade-off and link to power balance among different organizational functions. Finally, we highlight a new understanding about the “Japanese model” based on an integrative perspective between production, sales and purchasing activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Aoki, Katsuki & Staeblein, Thomas & Tomino, Takahiro, 2014. "Monozukuri capability to address product variety: A comparison between Japanese and German automotive makers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(PB), pages 373-384.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:147:y:2014:i:pb:p:373-384
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2013.02.026
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    Cited by:

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    3. repec:era:chaptr:2013-rpr-07-05 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Um, Juneho & Lyons, Andrew & Lam, Hugo K.S. & Cheng, T.C.E. & Dominguez-Pery, Carine, 2017. "Product variety management and supply chain performance: A capability perspective on their relationships and competitiveness implications," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 15-26.
    5. Aoki, Katsuki & Staeblein, Thomas, 2018. "Monozukuri capability and dynamic product variety: An analysis of the design-manufacturing interface at Japanese and German automakers," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 70, pages 33-45.
    6. Xiong, Yangchun & Lam, Hugo K.S. & Hu, Qiaoxuan & Yee, Rachel W.Y. & Blome, Constantin, 2021. "The financial impacts of environmental violations on supply chains: Evidence from an emerging market," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
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    8. DeCampos, Hugo A. & Rosales, Claudia R. & Narayanan, Sriram, 2022. "Supply chain horizontal complexity and the moderating impact of inventory turns: A study of the automotive component industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    9. Chuang, Chia-Hung & Chiang, Chung-Yean, 2016. "Dynamic and stochastic behavior of coefficient of demand uncertainty incorporated with EOQ variables: An application in finished-goods inventory from General Motors׳ dealerships," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 95-109.
    10. Takahiro Fujimoto & Mitsuhiro Fukuzawa & Young Won Park & Paul Hong, 2022. "Developing Effective Measures of Organizational Capability of Manufacturing Firms: An Exploratory Case Study of Japanese Manufacturing Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-20, November.
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