Handbook of Management Scales/Search for new technologies

Search for new technologies (composite reliability = 0.82) Description The authors identify improvement and innovation as two critical plant level capabilities. These capabilities are each conceptualized as a second-order factor and measured through a distinct bundle of routines. The following routines underlying improvement capabilities are identified: continuous improvement, process management, and leadership involvement in quality. The routines closely related to improvement capability are: search for new technologies, cross-functional product design, and processes and equipment development. The items to measure each routine were selected based on a review of the relevant literature. Items were included that have been used in prior studies. A panel of five academic researchers and managers with expertise in manufacturing operations reviewed each of the items. Definition Search for new technologies captures a manufacturing plant’s orientation towards acquiring cutting edge processes and technologies, and is manifested in activities through which resources are allocated for identifying and leveraging new technologies. Items We pursue long-range programs, in order to acquire manufacturing capabilities in advance of our needs. We make an effort to anticipate the potential of new manufacturing practices and technologies. Our plant stays on the leading edge of new technology in our industry. We are constantly thinking of the next generation of manufacturing technology. Source Peng et al. (2008): Linking routines to operations capabilities: A new perspective. Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 26, No. 6, pp. 730-748. Comments Given that a 7-point Likert scale was used ("4" indicating "neutral"), the mean value (5.14) is quite high. Therefore, the wording might be changed (e.g., "We always pursue" rather than "We pursue").