Pilot Application of a Taxonomy Based Assessment Methodology for Small and Medium Size Manufacturing

Walden, C., Moore, J., Greenwood, A., & Babin, P. (2009). Pilot Application of a Taxonomy Based Assessment Methodology for Small and Medium Size Manufacturing. Proceedings of the 2009 Industrial Engineering Research Conference. Miami, FL: Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Abstract

Pilot Application of a Taxonomy Based Assessment Methodology for Small and Medium Size Manufacturing Enterprises The National Research Council (NRC) has concluded that substantial barriers exist to increasing the performance of small and medium size manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). Research has found these barriers to include “difficulty in obtaining high quality, unbiased advice and assistance.” A first generation Taxonomy Based Assessment Methodology (TBAM) was developed to address this problem. This paper describes a case study of the TBAM approach deployed at Mimeo.com, an internet based specialty printing company. Several of the TBAM derived recommendations were tracked through implementation. Based on this case study, feedback on the methodology was obtained and inferences drawn regarding validity of the TBAM approach.