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Mass Customization vs. Complexity: A Gordian Knot?

Author

Listed:
  • Blecker, Thorsten
  • Abdelkafi, Nizar
  • Kaluza, Bernd
  • Kreutler, Gerold

Abstract

Mass customization is a business strategy that aims at satisfying individual customer needs, nearly with mass production efficiency. It induces a high complexity level because of various customer requirements and a steadily changing environment. However, mass customization has some potential to reduce complexity. These interdependencies between mass customization and complexity form a Gordian knot that should be cut in order to point out that mass customization is not just an oxymoron linking two opposite production concepts, but a business strategy that contributes towards reaching a competitive advantage. On the one hand, mass customization increases the production program, manufacturing and configuration complexities. On the other hand, mass customization can contribute to reduce complexity at the levels of order taking process, product and inventories. The main results attained through the analysis are integrated in a comprehensive framework that shows the complexity increasing and complexity decreasing aspects due to mass customization.

Suggested Citation

  • Blecker, Thorsten & Abdelkafi, Nizar & Kaluza, Bernd & Kreutler, Gerold, 2004. "Mass Customization vs. Complexity: A Gordian Knot?," MPRA Paper 5290, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:5290
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Byrne, M. D. & Chutima, P., 1997. "Real-time operational control of an FMS with full routing flexibility," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(1-2), pages 109-113, August.
    2. Blecker, Thorsten & Abdelkafi, Nizar & Kreutler, Gerold & Friedrich, Gerhard, 2004. "Dynamic Multi-Agent Based Variety Formation and Steering in Mass Customization," MPRA Paper 8968, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Forza, Cipriano & Salvador, Fabrizio, 2002. "Managing for variety in the order acquisition and fulfilment process: The contribution of product configuration systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(1), pages 87-98, March.
    4. Ulrich, Karl, 1995. "The role of product architecture in the manufacturing firm," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(3), pages 419-440, May.
    5. Blecker, Thorsten & Abdelkafi, Nizar & Kaluza, Bernd & Friedrich, Gerhard, 2003. "Key Metrics System for Variety Steering in Mass Customization," MPRA Paper 8970, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruiz-Hernández, Diego & Menezes, Mozart B.C. & Amrani, Aicha, 2019. "An information-content based measure of proliferation as a proxi for structural complexity," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 78-91.
    2. Vladimir Modrak & Zuzana Soltysova, 2017. "Novel Complexity Indicator of Manufacturing Process Chains and Its Relations to Indirect Complexity Indicators," Complexity, Hindawi, vol. 2017, pages 1-15, June.
    3. Zuzana Soltysova & Slavomir Bednar, 2015. "Complexity Management In Terms Of Mass Customized Manufacturing," Polish Journal of Management Studies, Czestochowa Technical University, Department of Management, vol. 12(2), pages 139-149, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    complexity; mass customization;

    JEL classification:

    • M11 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Production Management

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