EMERGENCE OF SIMULATIONS FOR MANUFACTURING LINE DESIGNS IN JAPANESE AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURING PLANTS

ABSTRACT The aim of this research is to introduce the reader to a new perspective on the framework for designing a manufacturing line project in Japanese automobile manufacturing plants. All manufacturing aspects, manual, automated and hybrid manufacturing lines are considered; however, which line should be used for the factory is always under investigation within the factory. Simulation studies that include resource utilization, line productivity and manufacturing costs help to identify the most suitable manufacturing line type within a factory. By utilizing simulation studies, designers can make reliable decisions upon suitable manufacturing lines faster than conventional methods based upon engineering experience. In order to understand the framework of manufacturing line design, a project to design a new automobile component manufacturing line was investigated in this study, and the chosen manufacturing line was also checked by the manufacturing activities in the factory

Lean technology development

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology and Policy Program, 2001.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91).In today's corporate world, successful technology management is separating market leaders from laggards. Because technology is in constant change and what is state-of-the-art today will be obsolete tomorrow, it is not companies with the best technologies that ultimately succeed. Instead, successful companies are those that succeed in institutionalizing and sustaining an efficient technology development process. Moreover, this process must be continuously improved by applying new techniques and concepts to cope with the increasing challenges of technology management. This thesis will explore the extent to which Lean principles can be applied in technology development and how they can contribute to achieving new technology development imperatives (fast cycle time, increasing number of technology introductions, etc.). In order to answer these questions, the thesis proceeds in a logical manner by decomposing the objectives of technology development into organizational solutions using Axiomatic Design. Then, Lean principles as they have developed within the Product Development Focus Team of the Lean Aerospace Initiative are mapped into the above decomposition. The research concludes that under some additional considerations, Lean principles do lead to the achievement of technology development objectives. More, the above theoretical research is applied to a real world case: Technology development at Ford Motor Company. After an assessment of the current process, opportunities of improvement are identified and a leaner process is proposed. Finally, issues and opportunities with OEMs-Suppliers partnerships for new technological systems development are studied. The objective was to formulate policies and make recommendations for a better management of technology supply.by Salim Bouzekouk.S.M

Increasing returns and network structure in the evolutionary dynamics of industries

The paper explores the idea that properties at the level of firms coevolve with more aggregate properties at the level of market institutions in the dynamics of industries. We propose that the structure of network of vertical relations limits the effect of increasing returns at the firm level. The paper develops a set of empirical measures and discusses a detailed case study of the commercial jet engine industry. The analysis of the structural dynamics of the network of vertical relations between engine suppliers and airframe manufacturers during the history of the industry (1958-1997) explains a final configuration of the industry marked by the coexistence of increasing returns to investments in R&D and marketing activities, with an intense competition among a few large incumbents, a low level of concentration and a strong instability of market shares. The emergence of a hierarchical network with a core and a periphery leads to equalisation of technical and market opportunities within the core and prevents incumbents to exit the industry.increasing returns; concentration; market shares; aircraft-engine industry; vertical relations; network.

Corporate strategy in turbulent environments: Key roles of the corporate level

This paper analyzes the evolution during the period 1986-2002 of the corporate strategy of Lujan, a highly successful car components manufacturer headquartered in Spain, as a way to explore how the corporate level influences the successful evolution of a company exposed to a "turbulent" environment over a long period. We find that the corporate level plays three key roles. First, it drives a firm's evolution by developing a cognitive representation of the firm's competitive landscape. Second, it paces the company's evolution by alternately shifting the balance of organizational initiatives between static efficiency-based "local search" strategies, chosen in times of stability or economic slowdown, and dynamic efficiency-based "long jump" strategies, adopted during periods of major environmental turbulence. Long-jump corporate strategies, carried out through limited downside strategic initiatives such as real options and strategic alliances ("off-line long-jumps"), are particularly frequent in these circumstances. The third role consists of developing an organizational architecture that frames the self-organized coordination of the different business divisions. The Lujan story clearly illustrates the important role of corporate strategy in a firm that must undergo radical transitions as a result of major environmental changes.corporate strategy; turbulent environments; complexity theory; car components;

Supply chain practices in the context of an emerging economy

Thesis (S.M. in System Design and Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, System Design and Management Program, 2010.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 90-92).The emergence of the BRIC economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China as a formidable economic powerhouse is turning into a reality. The center of the world's economic gravity is slowly shifting towards these emerging economies. As per research performed by Goldman Sacs' the BRIC economies could become the four most dominant economies by 2050. As per their study China and India would become the dominant supplier of manufactured goods and services while Brazil and Russia would dominate in supply of raw materials. The BRIC economy today makes up about 25% of the land mass and has 40% of the world's population. As multinationals scramble to tap into these growing emerging markets, they have begun to acknowledge that supply chain management is an essential ingredient of a successful business strategy. Success stories of Wal-Mart, Dell and Toyota have brought in the realization that to compete and win in the market place a winning supply chain strategy is a must. This has resulted in corporations trying to benchmark their supply chain strategies against this best in class strategies. However, this kind of comparison does not always work since there are a multitude of differences between companies, industries and countries. The existing practice of developing products and services for the developed economy and then tailoring these products for other economies around the world will not suffice anymore. Companies must now learn how to develop products for countries like India, sometimes from scratch and then tailor them for other geographies. To compete in this space of rapid economic growth firms need to analyze, design and optimize their product portfolio for emerging markets. To develop these "no frills" products for emerging economies, the supply chain designed for developed countries isn't adequate to meet the unique challenges of an emerging economy with its underdeveloped infrastructure, technology and human capital resources. To be competitive corporations should re-evaluate their supply chain strategies to customize it for emerging market conditions and in many cases build it from scratch. This thesis examines the unique characteristics of supply chain by studying successful supply chain strategies employed by Indian firms and proposes frameworks and strategies to help companies innovate in their supply chain design. This thesis develops a generic framework to design effective supply chains for emerging economies by looking at five key elements or "Five Pillars" of supply chain. The five key elements were thoroughly evaluated to understand the key challenges in each pillar and develop effective "Customized Practices" in the context of an emerging economy. The five pillars which were evaluated were Demand and Supply Planning, Sourcing and Procurement, Operations, Transportation, Warehousing and distribution. The framework takes a holistic approach by aligning business strategies with operating principles to develop the customized practices. The framework was then validated by performing a deep dive analysis of the successful supply chain case of the Tata Nano small car. Analyzing the Tata Nano supply chain through the lens of this framework provided key insights into the supply chain challenges faced by firms operating in an emerging economy and the unique customized practices used by these firms to operate efficiently. Use of this framework will bring awareness of the supply chain challenges in emerging economies and the customized practices firms use to help guide organizations in designing and operating their supply chains.by Vijan Bhaumik.S.M.in System Design and Managemen