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A Framework for Understanding the Interdependencies between Mass Customization and Complexity

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. The interdependencies between mass customization and complexity are discussed in order to demonstrate 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, it contributes 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. "A Framework for Understanding the Interdependencies between Mass Customization and Complexity," MPRA Paper 5289, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:5289
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    File URL: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/5289/1/MPRA_paper_5289.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    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.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bock, Stefan, 2008. "Supporting offshoring and nearshoring decisions for mass customization manufacturing processes," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 184(2), pages 490-508, January.
    2. Schoenwitz, Manuel & Potter, Andrew & Gosling, Jonathan & Naim, Mohamed, 2017. "Product, process and customer preference alignment in prefabricated house building," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 183(PA), pages 79-90.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Mass Customization; Complexity Management; Product Variety;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

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

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