Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of process management initiatives at technologically consistent firms

Purpose – A firm may be considered to be technologically consistent if its manufacturing technology is appropriate for its segment of its industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between technology consistency and both the rate of adoption and performance of six specific process management initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – A mail survey was administered to CEO's at a total of 400 food processing, pharmaceutical/biotechnology, apparel and semiconductor firms in the USA. In total, 80 usable responses were returned, resulting in a response rate of 20 percent; 64 of these responses form the basis for the results presented in this paper. Findings – The results indicate that there was a relationship between technology consistency and the adoption of only one of the six process management initiatives covered in this study. However, most of the respondents indicated that the initiatives that they had chosen were effective in meeting their needs. Practical implications – This study concerns the adoption of six process management initiatives at firms in four industries. The results indicate that these initiatives appear to be just as relevant and beneficial to manufacturers regardless of the level of technology existent in their industry. However, examination of this phenomenon for a greater number of initiatives at a wider cross section of manufacturing industries is desirable. Originality/value – This research is innovative in that it considers the impact of the implementation of various process management initiatives in the context of the technological consistency of the adopting firm. The reported results are relevant for small, moderate and large manufacturing concerns.