Title: Degree of Automation in the Machine Tool Driven Manufacturing
Industry in Developing Countries – the Case of Uganda
Authors: Nobert Mukasa
Keywords: Manufacturing technologies, Developing Countries
Issue Date: 09-08-2012
Abstract:

This study undertook to discern the incentives and obstacles to the development of the machine tool driven manufacturing industry in a developing country. Widespread lack of global competitiveness and near stagnated growth characterised this industry. The study developed robust indicators that measured the penetration of advanced manufacturing technologies in the Ugandan machine tool driven industry. It modelled the relationships between these indicators and sets of predictor variables most of which were intangible.

Education levels of blue collar workers, engineers and managers were found to be instrumental to the investment in hardware forms of advanced manufacturing technologies, while clerical employees were instrumental in integrating these technologies. The Chief Executive Officer and environmental issues formed strong influences. The strongest strategic motivation that drove Ugandan firms to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies was its competitive advantage followed by reduction in labour costs. In addition intangible factors presented formidable barriers to the adoption and penetration of advanced manufacturing technologies.

The study, the first of its kind in Uganda, brings to the fore results that contrast with what has been espoused in the developed world. It provides interesting insights into factors that characterize this industry in a developing country. It should therefore stimulate interest among policy-makers, entrepreneurs, practitioners and academics interested in the correlates of advanced manufacturing technology adoption and penetration in developing countries.

Presented at: Own Thesis defence

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