Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 31, Number 1
Winter 2000
Measuring Market-Manufacturing Congruence: Conceptual Reaffirmations
and Mathematical Modifications
Cecil C. Bozarth
College of Management, North Carolina State University, Box 7229,
Raleigh, NC 27695-7229, email: cecil_bozarth@ncsu.edu
William L. Berry
Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, 2100 Neil
Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, email: berry.95@osu.edu
ABSTRACT. Narasimhan and Wang (2000) provide a valuable
addition to the research base by identifying a limitation in
two of the original equations in Bozarth and Berry (1997), which
we resolve, and a possible research direction for the calibration
of indifference profiles. However, they fall short in their interpretation
of key conceptual and methodological issues, including the distinction
between indifference and ideal profiles, the difference between
individual profile dimensions and overall congruence, and firm
versus industry-level manufacturing strategy research. We use
this opportunity to clear up these points of confusion, and to
reaffirm the value of the methodology introduced in Bozarth and
Berry (1997).
Subject Areas: Manufacturing Strategy, Operations Strategy,
and Process Choice/Design. |