Abstract Paper aims This research proposes to apply the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process method for the supplier’s selection in a Brazilian food company. Originality It is the first time that food security has been incorporated as a first-level criterion in a process of selecting suppliers in a Brazilian food chain. Research method Practical application was carried out in a food company located in Brazil. Main findings Safety is the most important criteria when selecting a supplier, which ended up reflecting the placement of Supplier 3 as the best rated. Implications for theory and practice This research provides the first practical application of a hybrid mathematical technique in the process of selecting suppliers in a Brazilian food chain, evaluating the Food Security criterion on an equal basis with the others, and not as a sub criterion. The model can help managers better understand their suppliers' capabilities and performance.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de verificar quais são as melhores práticas de produção para o setor moveleiro no Brasil, mediante a análise das relações entre as práticas de produção implantadas e prioridades competitivas e, também, entre indicadores de desempenho. A revisão teórica centrou em definir o pressuposto para o estudo das melhores práticas e realizar uma sistematização da literatura. Posteriormente, foi desenvolvida a pesquisa prática mediante uma survey em 99 empresas. Para a análise dos dados, foi empregada a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais com o método de estimação dos mínimos quadrados ponderados. Os resultados revelaram que as práticas nas áreas de desenvolvimento de novos produtos, recursos humanos e planejamento e controle de produção estavam alinhadas à estratégia de produção e contribuíram para a melhoria de indicadores de desempenho operacional, sendo assim consideradas melhores práticas para o contexto estudado. Foram feitas discussões e sugestões para pesquisas futuras.

The objective of this work was to identify the best production practices for the furniture sector through the analysis of the relationship between implemented production practices, competitive priorities and improvement on operational performance indicators. The empirical research was an explanatory cross-sectional survey. Data were collected from interviews and direct observation on the shop-floor of 99 furniture companies. The technique used for data analysis was the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Weighted Least Square (WLS) estimation method. Results indicated that practices in the area of development of new products, human resources and production planning and control were aligned with manufacturing strategy and contributed to enhance operational performance indicators, therefore being regarded as best practices in the context under study. Discussion and suggestions for further research have been added.

Este trabalho investiga o alinhamento das estratégias de produção com as estratégias competitivas adotadas por onze empresas moveleiras situadas no pólo industrial da região de Votuporanga - SP. Os questionários aplicados durante as entrevistas e as observações diretas no chão-de-fábrica foram as principais ferramentas escolhidas para coleta de dados. Os resultados da pesquisa de campo revelaram que a maioria das empresas produzia linhas variadas de móveis retilíneos com estilo tradicional. A comercialização ocorria em um mercado amplo com pouca ou nenhuma diferenciação, caracterizando a estratégia competitiva de menor custo. As prioridades competitivas da estratégia de produção eram predominantemente qualidade e custo. Observou-se a ausência de sistemas de medidas e de programas voltados para a gerência da qualidade, como de sistemas que objetivassem a redução do custo de produção. As preocupações com a competitividade ocorriam em curto prazo e não eram formalizadas em estratégias empresariais.

This paper investigates the alignment of manufacturing strategies with the competitive strategies of eleven companies located in the furniture cluster of Votuporanga - SP. The administration of questionnaires during interviews and direct observation in the shop floor were the main tools chosen for data collection. This research has revealed that the majority of the companies produced a varied number of straight line-like furniture of traditional style. The trading occurs in a broad market with little or null differentiation which is a clear indication of lower cost competitive strategy. The competitive priorities of manufacturing strategy were predominantly quality and cost. It has been noticed the lack of measurement systems and employment of training programmes towards quality management, as well as systems which aimed at the reduction of manufacturing costs. The concerns with competitiveness were only envisaged for the short run and were not formalized as company's strategies.