Transferring Core Manufacturing Technologies

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Transferring Core Manufacturing Technologies in High-Technology Firms
Galbraith, Craig S.. California Management Review. Berkeley: Summer 1990. Vol. 32, Iss. 4; pg. 56, 15 pgs

Abstract (Summary) The key to any successful modern manufacturing strategy is the flexibility to adjust quickly to changing demand and resource requirements. A key component of this strategic flexibility is the ability to shift or replicate core manufacturing technologies quickly and effectively between different facilities. The successes and failures of 32 different high-technology intrafirm core manufacturing technology transfers were examined.
In addition, the impact that various factors have on the economics of such transfers was investigated. These factors include: 1. distance between facilities, 2. complexity of the technology, 3. communication and training, 4. organizational experience with prior transfers, 5. financial commitment to the transferred technology, and 6. other resource costs. The results strongly support the argument that the process can be effectively managed if careful planning and control is undertaken.