Handbook of Management Scales/Search for new technologies

Description
The authors identify improvement and innovation as two critical plant level capabilities. These capabilities are each conceptualized as a second-order factor and measured through a distinct bundle of routines. The following routines underlying improvement capabilities are identified: continuous improvement, process management, and leadership involvement in quality. The routines closely related to improvement capability are: search for new technologies, cross-functional product design, and processes and equipment development. The items to measure each routine were selected based on a review of the relevant literature. Items were included that have been used in prior studies. A panel of five academic researchers and managers with expertise in manufacturing operations reviewed each of the items.

Definition
Search for new technologies captures a manufacturing plant’s orientation towards acquiring cutting edge processes and technologies, and is manifested in activities through which resources are allocated for identifying and leveraging new technologies.

Items

 * We pursue long-range programs, in order to acquire manufacturing capabilities in advance of our needs.
 * We make an effort to anticipate the potential of new manufacturing practices and technologies.
 * Our plant stays on the leading edge of new technology in our industry.
 * We are constantly thinking of the next generation of manufacturing technology.

Source

 * Peng et al. (2008): Linking routines to operations capabilities: A new perspective. Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 26, No. 6, pp. 730-748.

Comments
Given that a 7-point Likert scale was used ("4" indicating "neutral"), the mean value (5.14) is quite high. Therefore, the wording might be changed (e.g., "We always pursue" rather than "We pursue").