A Critical Review of the Manufacturing Strategy Literature

Manufacturing strategy has been a topic of research for the last 50 years. Whilst much has been written on this topic, recent researchers are challenging the scope and content of this research. The literature suggests claims that there has been little real development since Skinner's seminal article in 1969. In particular, contemporary researchers claim that the literature does not contain sufficient empirical evidence, deal with the implementation of manufacturing strategies adequately or provide good frameworks for manufacturing strategy research. This paper reviews the content and scope of current manufacturing strategy literature and presents a model for manufacturing strategy research and development. Examples and anecdotal evidence resulting from the application of this research model to an Australian industry are also presented.