This study explores the innovation practices driving rapid new product development (NPD) in Chinese firms, focusing on two global companies in the construction equipment industry. Key practices identified include strategic investments in R&D, talent and patent management, mergers and acquisitions, and prioritisation of "good enough" product design with high customer service. The firms also emphasise shortened NPD phases, division of tasks, high engineer density, and parallel work using information platforms. Strong project management, quick decision-making by senior leaders, and a hardworking, flexible workforce further enhance speed. Viewed through an operations strategy lens, the study explains what Chinese firms prioritise, their management decisions, and the operational capabilities they develop. This case study provides empirical data that offers insights into the innovation agility of emerging economies and contributes to a broader understanding of strategic NPD for rapid innovation.

Purpose – This study aims to explore the factors influencing companies’ decisions to bring manufacturing operations back to their home countries and to examine how these factors exert their influence.

Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a qualitative approach, conducting 16 in-depth interviews with managers involved in reshoring projects. The Eclectic Paradigm is used as theoretical framework.

Findings – A total of 69 influencing factors were identified, comprising 3% resource-seeking, 10% market-seeking, 41% efficiency-seeking and 17% strategic asset-seeking factors. Additionally, 29% of the factors were classified as hybrid-seeking. These factors were further categorised as drivers, barriers or enablers, providing a comprehensive understanding of their complex roles. Ten distinctive factors, such as customisation strategy and Information Technology (IT), emerged that were not previously reported in the literature, while seven factors cited in existing studies, including energy costs and knowledge transfer, were absent.

Research limitations/implications – This study offers a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted nature of reshoring decisions. The comprehensive framework developed in this paper provides valuable insights for manufacturers and policymakers. It contributes to the literature by identifying previously unreported factors and challenging established understandings. Future research could apply alternative or multi-theoretical approaches, and examine the relative significance of each factor, how this evolves over time and how it differs between reshoring and offshoring, thus developing a more comprehensive understanding of relocation decisions.

Originality/value – This study is one of the few to apply the Eclectic Paradigm to the analysis of reshoring, bridging gaps between influencing factors and underlying decision processes.

Purpose

The study aims to clarify and present the role of the eclectic paradigm in manufacturing location decision research by examining its development, limitations, contributions and contemporary applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual paper based on how the eclectic paradigm developed and how it can be used. With an in-depth literature review to critically examine the theoretical evolution of the eclectic paradigm and its application in manufacturing location decision research, this study develops a strategic framework that enhances understanding.

Findings

This paper presents a practical guide for applying the eclectic paradigm. It introduces the strategic positioning matrix, enabling more effective navigation of the complexities in international production and location decision-making. It also highlights three dimensions to understand the decision factors, i.e. the drivers, barriers and enablers, in dynamic international business contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper harmonises with critical realism and once again stresses the fragmented and eclectic state of the research field by consolidating and advancing existing knowledge. Its conceptual scope, however, excludes empirical validation. Future research is encouraged to validate the proposed framework to assess its practical relevance and further explore contingency factors that remain underdeveloped in current literature.

Originality/value

As one of the few conceptual studies focused on the eclectic paradigm’s role in this context, this paper contributes by organising, systematising and extending its application. With the strategic positioning matrix, it fosters a more nuanced understanding and wider application among scholars and practitioners.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamics of manufacturing reshoring in Nordic countries by identifying the drivers, barriers and enablers influencing the decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in in-depth interviews with 16 Swedish manufacturing firms, this research uses the eclectic paradigm as its theoretical framework.

Findings

This research reveals 65 drivers, 32 barriers and 38 enablers for manufacturers to bring manufacturing back. The primary drivers include total cost, product quality, controllability and flexibility in production. Prominent barriers are labour resources, facilities and equipment, labour, overhead and total costs. Key enablers include manufacturing capacity, labour resources, know-how and intellectual property, infrastructure and automation level.

Research limitations/implications

This research demonstrates how a single decision factor can manifest as a driver, barrier or enabler depending on specific scenarios, adding nuance to the existing reshoring literature. By applying the eclectic paradigm, this research reinforces the applicability of the theory in manufacturing location decision research and integrates factor perspectives with strategic-seeking categories. It refines and encourages the use of the eclectic paradigm.

Practical implications

The research offers practical implications for policymakers, industry leaders and researchers seeking to understand Nordic industrial dynamics. Insights provide guidance for industry leaders in strategic decision-making and navigate policymakers’ design measures to support industrial competitiveness in the Nordic region.

Originality/value

This research is among the few studies integrating strategic advantages with three aspects of the decision factors in analysing manufacturing reshoring. It advances theoretical understanding by showing how the same factor can shift depending on contextual dynamics and serve companies’ strategic needs.

IMRaD-strukturen (introduktion, metod, resultat och diskussion) är en etablerad strukturför akademiskt skrivande. Strukturen saknar dock teoretisk förankring och utveckling.Strukturen vilar i stället på en kvalitativ beskrivning av rapportens innehåll. Trots dessomfattande användning finns det få försök att förstå eller vidareutveckla strukturengenom ett analytiskt ramverk. Denna studie angriper detta tomrum genom att förstgenomföra en strukturerad litteraturgenomgång, vilken visade att existerande forskningfrämst beskriver IMRaD snarare än att utveckla den. Därefter presenteras en modell sombygger vidare på tidigare visualiseringar av IMRaD. Den nya modellen introducerar tvåformer av symmetri: ämnesmässig och empirisk. Den ämnesmässiga symmetrin innebäratt introduktion och diskussion är bredare än resultaten, medan den empiriska symmetrinsynliggör metodens roll i att avgränsa det empiriska materialet och analysens funktionatt åter bredda detta för att besvara forskningsfrågorna. Genom att tydliggöra dessasymmetrier ges en mer nyanserad förståelse för hur rapporter bör struktureras och hurforskningsresultat kan generaliseras. Studien bidrar därmed till både praktisk vägledningför studenter och handledare, samt en teoretisk grund för fortsatt utveckling avakademiskt skrivande.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the manufacturing reshoring decision-making content from an Eclectic Paradigm perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a six-step systematic literature review on factors influencing manufacturing reshoring decision-making. The review is based on 100 peer-reviewed journal papers discussing reshoring decision-making contents published from 2009 to 2022.

Findings

In total, 80 decision factors were extracted and then categorized into resource-seeking (8%), market-seeking (11%), efficiency-seeking (41%) and strategic asset-seeking (16%) advantages. Additionally, 24% of these were identified as hybrid, which means that they were classified into multiple categories. Some decision factors were further identified as reshoring influencing factors (i.e. drivers, enablers and barriers).

Research limitations/implications

Scholars need to consider what other theories can be used or developed to identify and evaluate the decision factors (determinants) of manufacturing reshoring as well as how currently adopted theory can be further advanced to create clearer and comprehensive theoretical frameworks.

Practical implications

This research underscores the importance of developing clearer and more comprehensive theoretical frameworks. For practitioners, understanding the multifaceted nature of decision factors could enhance strategic decision-making regarding reshoring initiatives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the value and practicality of the Eclectic Paradigm in categorizing factors in manufacturing reshoring decision-making content and presents in-depth theoretical classifications. In addition, it bridges the gap between decision factors and influencing factors in the decision-making content research realm.Keywords

Purpose

This study aims to explore and theorize value gaps within value chain management (VCM) by extending the service quality gap model to the context of global manufacturing value chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a case study of a small, family-owned Swedish furniture wholesaler, Alpha, this research adapts the service quality gap model and integrates it into the VCM framework. The investigation examines the value creation and delivery processes across a network of actors, highlighting how various gaps emerge at different stages of the value chain.

Findings

The study identifies and describes several value gaps, including those related to consumer understanding, manufacturing capabilities and coordination across the value chain. Value creation gaps arise from poor communication about consumer needs and product features, whereas value delivery gaps are mainly tied to manufacturing capacity and material restrictions. These gaps can result in misalignment between consumer expectations and the delivered value.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study provides insights into the emergence of value gaps, further research is needed to determine the magnitude and reduction strategies for these gaps. In addition, understanding how consumers evaluate new products remains a critical area for investigation.

Practical implications

The research highlights the significance of a coordinated approach to managing value creation and delivery processes. It underscores the need for companies to capture accurate consumer data, consider manufacturing capabilities and engage in effective coordination with various actors in the value chain.

Social implications

By addressing value gaps, companies can enhance consumer satisfaction and minimize potential dissatisfaction caused by misalignment between consumer expectations and delivered value. This, in turn, can lead to improved relationships with consumers and other actors within the value chain.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel perspective on value gaps in VCM, extending the service quality gap model to the realm of manufacturing. It underscores the importance of managing both value creation and delivery processes for enhancing competitive advantage in a global market.