Managing Flexibility

This edited book provides a conceptual framework for managing flexibility in the areas of people, processes, technology and business, supported by research/case applications in various types of flexibility in business. The book is organized into five parts: (i) Managing Flexibility; (ii) People Flexibility; (iii) Process Flexibility; (iv) Flexibility in Technology and Innovation Management; (v) Business Flexibility. Managing flexibility at the people, processes, technology and business level is emerging as a key feature of business excellence, as it encompasses both choice and speed – two important requirements. The growing need for flexibility in business can be seen from reactive as well as proactive perspectives. A business enterprise needs to have reactive flexibility (the ability to adapt and respond) to cope with the changing and uncertain business environment. It may also endeavor to strategically create flexibility by way of leadership change, reengineering, product and process innovation, use of information and communication technology, learning orientation, and so on.