Integrating Manufacturing Strategy and Technology Choice FARIBORZ YAHYA PARTOVI, PH.D. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1988, 309 PP. SUPERVISOR:PAUL KLEINDORFER The purpose of this research is threefold: first, to develop a methodology and corresponding model relating marketing and operations strategy to choice of technology; second, to test the proposed model and to see whether it adequately represents the relationship between strategic forces during competition and the choice of technology in the value chain; and third to implement the proposed methodology in a manufacturing firm and check its implementablility. The technological planning methodology developed in this dissertation is built upon Ackoff’s interactive planning, and it consists of five stages: formulation of the mess, ends planning, means planning, resource planning and implementation. A computer model is developed for means planning based on Saaty’s Analytical Hierarchical Process. This model unlike most technological selection and justification models which are based on cost alone, provides a framework for strategic evaluation of costs and benefits of competing technologies. The purpose of testing the model is to determine through: (1) to check the workability of the model, (2) how subjects perceive different methods of applying the model, and what suggestions they have to enhance the model and improve its usage, and (3) to compare the effectiveness of the proposed technological planning model with traditional justification methods. The end results of this experiment involved the subjects’ response to the planning process, and the judges’ evaluation of the subjects’ recommendations. Finally, the proposed methodology was implemented in a selected firm in a specific industry. As part of implementation the forces that shape the firms competitiveness, operationalization of variable in the model, and the characteristics of technologies were studied. Based on our study, we prioritized the technological options available to the firm. (Order number DA8824782.) 392 Vol.8, No. 4

Integrating manufacturing strategy and technology choice

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Integrating Manufacturing Strategy and Technology Choice

FARIBORZ YAHYA PARTOVI, PH.D. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1988, 309 PP. SUPERVISOR: PAUL KLEINDORFER

The purpose of this research is threefold: first, to develop a methodology and corresponding model relating marketing and operations strategy to choice of technology; second, to test the proposed model and to see whether it adequately represents the relationship between strategic forces during competition and the choice of technology in the value chain; and third to implement the proposed methodology in a manufacturing firm and check its implementablility.

The technological planning methodology developed in this dissertation is built upon Ackoff’s interactive planning, and it consists of five stages: formulation of the mess, ends planning, means planning, resource planning and implementation. A computer model is developed for means planning based on Saaty’s Analytical Hierarchical Process. This model unlike most technological selection and justification models which are based on cost alone, provides a framework for strategic evaluation of costs and benefits of competing technologies.

The purpose of testing the model is to determine through: (1) to check the workability of the model, (2) how subjects perceive different methods of applying the model, and what suggestions they have to enhance the model and improve its usage, and (3) to compare the effectiveness of the proposed technological planning model with traditional justification methods. The end results of this experiment involved the subjects’ response to the planning process, and the judges’ evaluation of the subjects’ recommendations.

Finally, the proposed methodology was implemented in a selected firm in a specific industry. As part of implementation the forces that shape the firms competitiveness, operationalization of variable in the model, and the characteristics of technologies were studied. Based on our study, we prioritized the technological options available to the firm. (Order number DA8824782.)

392 Vol. 8, No. 4