International Journal of Supply Chain Management
Vol 2, No 2 (2013): International Journal of Supply Chain Management (IJSCM)

Barriers to Customer Integration into New Product Development Process: A Case of Apparel Industry in Pakistan

Muhammad Ali Sheikh (Unknown)
Dr. Hayat Awan (Bahauddin Zakariya University-Pakistan (BZU))



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2013

Abstract

In recent years,multinationals developed close relationship with customers by integrating theminto NPD process which reduced switching and increased satisfaction. While SMEsfaced severe breakdowns due to product failures led by customerdissatisfaction. A reason for this switching is prohibition of customerintegration into NPD process. Within this context, the objective is to identifythose potential reasons which become the source of non-integration. Data forthis study was derived for a survey carried out in 25 SMEs (apparel). Anexploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis, ANOVA and descriptive statswere utilized to discover the potential of various barriers. Out of allbarriers, lack of awareness, trust and compatibility were potential barriersfound positively related with non-integration. Non/less experienced firmsshowed lack of awareness which led them to lack of trust while experiencedfirms lacked flexibility in integrating customers. Locally operating SMEsshowed lack of awareness and trust while firms at regional level were foundmore aware but refused the importance of integration. This study is focusing oncustomer integration into the SMEs sector has many implications forprofessionals and organizations.

Copyrights © 2013






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJSCM

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Engineering Environmental Science Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Transportation

Description

International Journal of Supply Chain Management (IJSCM) is a peer-reviewed indexed journal, ISSN: 2050-7399 (Online), 2051-3771 (Print), that publishes original, high quality, supply chain management empirical research that will have a significant impact on SCM theory and practice. Manuscripts ...