The inhibitors and enablers of maintenance and manufacturing strategy: a cross-case analysis

This paper concerns the findings from case studies carried out at four North East of England manufacturing plants. The research was part of a wider investigation into the “linkage between maintenance and manufacturing strategies and the effects on manufacturing performance”. The initial study began with a comprehensive literature review, which confirmed a dearth of models and frameworks surrounding the topic. To close this gap, a new conceptual model was developed. This defined the configuration and the key processes and linkages involved. Based on the model, a new diagnostic tool and questionnaire evolved. These were used to measure the status of maintenance and manufacturing strategies at the manufacturing sites. The research produced large quantities of rich data via semi-structured interviews and these were analysed and coded. This generated the information necessary to complete a questionnaire and diagnostic footprint for each site. Importantly, the analysis of the data identified a number of specific inhibitors and enablers to strategic success and these are discussed in detail. A cross-case analysis of the data is also presented, offering five generic recommendations for practitioners to consider.