Impacts of Information Technology on Mass Customization Capability of Manufacturing Plants

International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Forthcoming

Mays Business School Research Paper No. 1763441

41 Pages Posted: 21 Feb 2011 Last revised: 6 Mar 2017

See all articles by Xiaosong (David) Peng

Xiaosong (David) Peng

Lehigh University

Gensheng Jason Liu

University of Memphis

Gregory R. Heim

Texas A&M University - Department of Information & Operations Management

Date Written: February 17, 2011

Abstract

Purpose – The impact of information technology (IT) on mass customization (MC) capability has been implied in the literature but seldom subjected to empirical examination. This study theoretically relates four types of IT applications with MC capability and empirically examines these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach – This study identifies four types of IT that potentially support MC capability, including product configurator IT, new product development IT, manufacturing IT, and supplier collaboration IT. Drawing on organizational information processing theory, this study associates the four IT types with a manufacturer’s MC capability. A structural equation model is tested using survey data collected from a sample of manufacturing plants that focus on product customization.

Findings – The empirical results indicate that three of the four IT types either strongly or marginally support a manufacturer’s MC capability.

Research limitations/implications – Data used in this study are cross-sectional in nature. Also, a set of refined IT measures should be developed in future studies.

Practical implications – The paper identifies managerial opportunities for investing in IT to support or enhance MC capability.

Originality/value – The study is one of the first efforts to empirically examine the impact of multiple types of IT applications on MC capability. The study also develops a classification framework of IT applications in manufacturing plants.

Keywords: Mass Customization, Operations Management-Information Systems Interface, Modular Design, Survey Research

JEL Classification: D20, M11, M, L6, O3

Suggested Citation

Peng, Xiaosong (David) and Liu, Gensheng Jason and Heim, Gregory R., Impacts of Information Technology on Mass Customization Capability of Manufacturing Plants (February 17, 2011). International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Forthcoming, Mays Business School Research Paper No. 1763441, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1763441

Xiaosong (David) Peng (Contact Author)

Lehigh University ( email )

621 Taylor Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3027
United States

Gensheng Jason Liu

University of Memphis ( email )

Memphis, TN 38152
Memphis, TN usa 38152-3370
United States

Gregory R. Heim

Texas A&M University - Department of Information & Operations Management ( email )

320 Wehner Building
4217 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4217
United States
979-845-9218 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://mays.tamu.edu/info/

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