Purpose: This paper aims to present a comprehensive framework that integrates the emerging trends of servitization and digitalization in manufacturing. The influence between digitalization and servitization is defined and quantified. Their contribution to firm performance is analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a theoretical model that captures the relationships between the analyzed variables. Drawing on the Spanish Business Strategy Survey, hypothesis testing is conducted using data on 828 Spanish industrial firms. Linear regression models are built to capture the effect of each variable on firm performance and the type of interaction between the variables. Findings: Servitization and digitalization are positively related to firm performance. Digitalization positively mediates the relationship between servitization and firm performance. The mediating effect of digitalization contributes to differentiating between the direct and indirect effects of servitization on firm performance. Practical implications: The paper provides a useful analysis framework for firms to evaluate servitization and digitalization as success strategies. It is proposed that firms must simultaneously commit to digital transformation and the incorporation of services to create value, especially in business-to-business settings. Servitization and digitalization interact to exert a greater influence on performance. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the theory on service strategy by providing an analysis model that includes digitalization as a mediator of the relationship between servitization and firm performance. Digitalization may provide a mechanism to unlock the benefits of servitization and thereby enhance firm performance.

Purpose – This paper aims to review state-of-the-art literature on typologies and taxonomies of operations strategy in order to propose generic operations strategies in industrial companies from a theoretical viewpoint. Design/methodology/approach – Typologies and taxonomies are defined and characterised; both concepts delimit the generic configurations model. Then examine the state of the research on configuration analysis relating to operations strategy is examined. For this purpose articles published in 17 important journals in the field of production and operations management from the 1980s to the year 2006 are analysed. Findings – This review allows one to identify three generic operations strategies commonly accepted in the literature. Research limitations/implications – This research deserves much more attention, both theoretical and empirical, in order to analyse the existing classifications and develop new classifications of operations strategy. Practical implications – Knowledge of generic operations strategies may help managers to design and implement a strategy that allows their firm to exploit the full potential of its manufacturing resources, and to achieve better results. The literature review contributes to theory development and provides a means of understanding the strategic position of operations. Originality/value – Despite considerable interest in research on configurations in the study of organisation and business strategy there has not been much effort to examine the current state or even the future development of generic configurations in the operations strategy field. This paper fills this gap.

Purpose: The literature on manufacturing strategy has focused on analysis of content and process. Limited attention has been given to the concept of manufacturing strategy in taxonomical terms. The purpose of this study is to highlight a taxonomy of manufacturing strategies in Spanish industrial companies.Design/methodology/approach: A cluster analysis was performed. The classification variable used was based on competitive priorities relating to cost, quality, flexibility, delivery, service and environmental protection. The sample group consisted of 353 companies, belonging to different sectors.Findings: Empirical analysis results demonstrate the existence of two manufacturing strategies and significant differences in structure and infrastructure policies but not in performance.Research limitations/implications: The results of the study are not generalizable, given the nature of the sample. Future studies should consider larger samples, including more countries and contexts.Practical implications: A taxonomy of manufacturing strategies will serve as a useful mechanism to better understand Spain's manufacturing role and position in European and global economies.Originality/value: The taxonomy presented contributes to the development and enhancement of operations management theory and demonstrates the current strategic importance of the manufacturing function in Spanish companies.