An Empirical Analysis of the Critical Factors in the Development of Computerizing Manufacturing Systems: A Comparative Survey

Abstract

This research constitutes an important international comparison of computer technology support for production management (CTSPM) in Taiwan and the UK, one of the emerging ”little dragons” from East Asia and manufacturers in the developed Western economy. The research design used both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques to introduce and examine a model of best practice in the CTSPM systems, by drawing on the practical experience of senior managers of production and MIS in Taiwan and the UK. Two steps of fieldwork were undertaken. An investigation survey began with literature and involved exploratory fieldwork into visit Taiwanese organizations. The result developed model of CTSPM implementation and integration, and used to design a questionnaire to survey the development of CTSPM, and toexamine and refine the model of CTSPM in both Taiwan and the UK manufacturing companies. Taiwanese manufacturers had much less experience of CTSPM than UK counterparts, they appeared to be prepared to develop integrated CTSPM solutions more rapidly than in the UK. However, UK managers recognized the barriers, facilitators, and benefits of CTSPM relevant to the Taiwanese context. UK manufacturers had largely taken the more important steps toward systems' integration, although substantial proportions of managers mentioned that they were still at the planning stage in many areas. In Taiwan, it was largely the case that plans were in place to take facilitating and benefiting actions. The results suggest that Taiwanese manufacturers have learned to integrated systems and organizational as they have gained experience with CTSPM. Both countries appeared to be moving toward similar systems design.