Competitiveness strategies and AMT investment decisions

Examines the relationship between competitiveness strategies and decisions to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). Findings are presented from a survey of UK manufacturers, which is part of a global research programme on AMT investments. Experiences of four case companies are also used to illustrate factors driving these investments and their outcomes. Demonstrates how AMT investments arise from a business strategy seeking to improve competitiveness. Although these decisions are market-driven and companies often use more than one financial appraisal technique when evaluating a proposal, they often cannot demonstrate the tangible benefits anticipated from their investments. This indicates that more time needs to be taken to carry out post-implementation evaluation in order to be able to identify tangible benefits and learn from these experiences.