The Effects of Product Modularity on Competitive Performance: Do Integration Strategies Mediate the Relationship?
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2007
Publication Source
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of product modularity on four aspects of competitive performance: cost, quality, flexibility, and cycle time.
Design/methodology/approach: Constructs were created from a comprehensive survey of the automotive sector. Regression is used to ascertain the relationship between the constructs of product modularity and performance with three different integration strategies as mediators.
Findings: Modularity positively and directly influences each aspect of competitive performance for each integration strategy tested. Indirect effects were found for each integration strategy for cost and flexibility; and for manufacturing integration and cycle time.
Practical implications: A product modularity strategy enables simultaneous improvements on multiple dimensions of competitive performance.
Originality/value: This research is the first to empirically validate the effects of product modularity on competitive performance. Furthermore, it provides insight into the exact nature of product modularity's influence on competitive performance.
Inclusive pages
1046-1068
ISBN/ISSN
0144-3577
Copyright
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing
Volume
27
Issue
10
Peer Reviewed
yes
eCommons Citation
Jacobs, Mark A.; Vickery, Shawnee K.; and Droge, Cornelia, "The Effects of Product Modularity on Competitive Performance: Do Integration Strategies Mediate the Relationship?" (2007). MIS/OM/DS Faculty Publications. 45.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/mis_fac_pub/45
COinS
Comments
Permission documentation is on file.