New manufacturing technology implementation: a study of the Thai automotive industry

The purpose of this study is to develop the conceptual framework for new manufacturing technology (NMT) implementation. Scales representing management activities within four stages (adoption, pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation evaluation) of the framework were developed. Data from the survey of 149 Thai automotive manufacturers were used to test for content validity and reliability of those scales. Then, factor analysis was applied to validate and confirm the construction of the framework of each stage. The result of data analysis indicates four stages of NMT implementation, consisting of (a) determining reasons for NMT adoption, (b) monitoring and justifying whether a certain NMT should be adopted, (c) adapting an existing organisational culture while implementing proper project management approach, and (d) evaluating an effectiveness of NMT implementation. This finding can be adopted by the manufacturers to assist them in the adoption and implementation of NMT in their manufacturing environment.