Survey methodology issues in manufacturing strategy and practice research

Identifies and discusses a number of methodological issues which can arise in the design and administration of instruments for the purpose of large‐scale survey research in manufacturing strategy and practice. Describes two such surveys. Both were undertaken by researchers at IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland. The first was a study of manufacturing strategies in western Europe, while the second was a study of manufacturing practice and performance in Switzerland. A comparison of the approaches taken in the design and administration of the two instruments allows for the identification of a number of methodological issues which are discussed in greater detail. These include sample (sector) selection, respondent preparation, quality assurance for data input, the elimination of bias and gathering of complementary data.