A note on beyond the trade-off and cumulative capabilities models: alternative models of operations strategy'

A recentthought provoking paper affirms that in practice, the trade-offs model is not used. In this study, we reanalyse the data based on a more complete understanding of Skinner's model. Our results indicate that while there may be some evidence of firms that are capable of achieving high performance across a number of manufacturing capabilities in that investigation, there is also plenty of evidence generally consistent with the core tenet of the trade-offs model. We also emphasise that more practical and definitive statements about Skinner's model must necessarily involve detailed studies of market leading firms, or, individual product/services. Opportunities to move forward on the topic of strategic trade-offs are outlined.