Manufacturing mobility in global operations

Abstract

The globalization trend inevitably affects the organization of manufacturing by enterprises. It offers opportunities to examine manufacturing from a global perspective and consequently to produce where it is most appropriate. However, globalization has also led to an increase in competitive pressures, as companies have to look wider for opportunities to increase their competitive advantages. One source of competitive advantage arises from manufacturing mobility, which is the timely transfer of technology among manufacturing sites. This paper elaborates on the important determinants of manufacturing mobility, and provides a basis for additional research in this area