The manufacturing strategy and competitive priority of SMEs in Taiwan: A case survey

This research investigates the competitive priorities and manufacturing strategic decisions of small and medium enterprises (SME) in Taiwan. The method of case survey is used to tap 33 published case reports on SMEs' operations. It is revealed that quality is perceived the most important among the seven competitive priorities, i.e. quality, dependability, cost, flexibility, innovation, service, and time. The relative importance of the ten strategic decisions is found in the following sequence: product development, workforce, organization, control system, technology, quality program, facilities, vertical integration, capacity, performance measurement. Managerial implications drawn from the research findings are discussed. Observations about the owners of SMEs are also briefed.