A Framework to Identify Best Quality Management Practices and Techniques for Diverse Production Ramp-Up Environments: Propositions for Future Research

Abstract

Dynamic competitive mechanisms have driven international manufacturers to increase the rate at which new products are introduced to the global market. Introducing new products faster enables firms to sell at higher volumes and prices, resulting in higher profitability. Thus, there is great financial incentive for manufacturers to increase their production ramp-up speed. This analysis focuses on developing a framework to categorize four different types of production ramp-up environments across various manufacturing settings. The framework provides the foundation to identify the best quality management practices and approaches for improving production ramp-up performance based on the degree of product scope and process technology orientation used in the manufacturing system. Furthermore, propositions are developed to guide future empirical research.

• framework
• production ramp-up
• propositions
• quality management

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zachary Moran Leffakis

Zachary Moran Leffakis has been a lecturer of operations management at Clemson University since 2012. He has a doctorate in manufacturing management from the University of Toledo, and both an MBA and bachelor's degree from California University of Pennsylvania. Leffakis has industry experience working as a CNC machinist, manufacturing process specialist, and production coordinator. His intellectual interests center on the broad areas of operations management and research, primarily revolving around the question of “How can manufacturing companies improve production ramp-up performance through effective managerial and operational practices, especially in the lean production systems?” In addition, Leffakis is actively pursuing research that identifies the best implementation pattern and sequence of lean manufacturing practices to create efficient and flexible production systems. His articles have been published in journals including OMEGA: The International Journal of Management Science, Production Planning and Control, Industrial Management, and the Journal of Individual Employment Rights. Leffakis can be reached by email at [email protected].