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Operational flexibility: Review and meta-analysis

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  • Yu, Kangkang
  • Cadeaux, Jack
  • Luo, Ben Nanfeng

Abstract

Several streams of literature increasingly consider flexibility at all levels and functions of the manufacturing and supply chain. This paper reviews flexibility studies in operations management, supply chain management, and marketing. It considers the definitions, dimensions, drivers, sources, and performance outcomes of operational flexibility. In doing so, it offers a meta-analysis of 57 empirical studies that examines the magnitudes of the sources and performance outcomes of operational flexibility. It discusses not only research directions that arise from the review and meta-analysis, but also the managerial implications of a broader contingency model of operational flexibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Kangkang & Cadeaux, Jack & Luo, Ben Nanfeng, 2015. "Operational flexibility: Review and meta-analysis," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 190-202.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:169:y:2015:i:c:p:190-202
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2015.07.035
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