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Production and Operations Management 2001

STRATEGIC ASPECTS OF QUALITY: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Ram Narasimhan1,2; David Méndez3,4

1 Management Sciences (United States) · 2 Michigan State University · 3 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor · 4 Research Management (Norway)

open access

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between aspects of quality and long run profitability and growth of a firm. The paper first determines whether a stable relationship among price, aspects of quality, and the sales rate exists, by examining the equilibrium properties of a dynamic model. Then, we use the derived equilibrium expressions to develop insights into the strategic nature of “quality reputation” and, how to integrate marketing (i.e., pricing) and quality related decisions. The paper shows under certain conditions it might be more advantageous to manipulate “quality reputation” through advertising and product innovations than to increase product quality. We comment on quality based strategic options a firm must consider to ensure long run growth and profitability.

DOI
10.1111/j.1937-5956.2001.tb00090.x
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