The impact of organizational characteristics on AMT adoption: A study of Egyptian manufacturers

Abstract

Purpose - This research seeks to empirically explore and examine the impact of organizational characteristics, i.e. firm size, type of production system, organizational design and type of ownership, on advanced manufacturing technology (AMTs) adoption in the Egyptian industrial sector; and to identify the similarities and dissimilarities of the nature of AMT adoption in Egypt compared to different contexts. Design/methodology/approach - The analysis was based on a survey of 200 Egyptian manufacturing firms where 61 relevant responses were received (response rate of 30.5 percent). Findings - The need for adopting AMTs is likely to be greater when companies are larger and their marketing strategy involves a combination of make to order and make to stock products. Practical implications - Improving work force' skills through enhancing training programs is important for the successful implementation of AMTs. Originality/value - The current study presents the state of the art of AMT adoption in Egypt. So, it will add to the operations management literature additional empirical contributions in the area of AMT adoption in less developed countries.