Method for estimating manufacturing competitiveness: The case of the apparel maquiladora industry in Central America

Abstract

This paper proposes an integrated method for estimating the manufacturing competitiveness of companies using their comparative performance in their manufacturing objectives. The developed method uses an extensive analysis of the literature along with expert analysis through the Delphi method to identify the factors influencing competitiveness in the industry under study. Different statistical coefficients such as Cronbach’s alpha, Kendall’s W, Fleiss’ kappa and Intraclass Correlation are used to assure reliability in the instruments and the experts’ opinion. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) are used as the means to obtain the measurement model with which to calculate an indicator of manufacturing competitiveness. An empirical case study using the proposed method is performed in a sample of apparel maquiladora plants.

Keywords

• manufacturing competitiveness
• manufacturing capabilities
• competitive priorities
• apparel industry