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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Manufacturing strategy'
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CAMPEAU, SIMON. "Istanbul Apparel Manufacturing Strategy." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Textilhögskolan, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-18150.
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Purpose: Finding which resources and capabilities are deployed among Istanbul-based apparel manufacturers, evaluating to what extent they are tangible, intangible as well as capabilities as well as lastly analysing them according to the valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable framework. Design/methodology: The research design consists of a case study held at several firms. Empirical data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Empirical data: Empirical data was primarily collected at nine different apparel manufacturers within the greater Istanbul region. Conclusion: Conclusions show that within the bundles of resources and capabilities, a large variation was noted with high international competitiveness. However there are areas such as design and quality which could be continuously developed among firms. In the end, whatever bundle of resources and capabilities a firm has, it’s the end price that speaks.Program: Textilekonomutbildningen
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Bakhtiar, Abbas. "Business strategy, manufacturing strategy and environmental dynamism : the case of small manufacturing firms." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1997. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21252.
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The impetus for the current study was to provide a better understanding of the small manufacturing firms operating under varying environmental conditions (dynamism). This study investigated the influence of dynamism on important strategy variables such as strategy, structure, production technologies employed, and performance. The results indicated that small manufacturing firms, depending on the environmental dynamism, tend to a adopt one of two adaptation approaches: product oriented, and operations oriented. It was shown that small manufacturing firms operating in unstable environments tend to have an organic organisational structure, follow differentiation strategies, and employ non-routine production technologies (product oriented approach), while small manufacturing firms operating in stable environments tend to adopt a mechanistic structure, along with price/cost leadership strategy, and employ routine manufacturing technologies. These findings advances the previous work don e by Miles and Snow, by clarifying that where they (Miles and Snow) have identified four generic adaptation types for all firms, it can be reduced to two for small manufacturing firms. This study also investigated a much discussed issue of planned versus emergent approaches to strategy formulation processes. The findings rejects both Ansoff's claims that firms tend to adopt a planning approach in unstable environments, and Mintzberg's argument that small firms regardless of the environmental conditions adopted an emergent approach to strategy formulation. The findings showed that small manufacturing firms operating in stable environment tend to adopt a planning approach, while small manufacturing firms operating in unstable environment adopted an emergent approach to strategy formulation. Another important area under investigation was the importance of manufacturing strategy for small manufacturing firms. The results showed that firms in stable environment tended to place a higher emphasis on production departments than their counterparts in unstable environments. However, this importance did not translate into a clear manufacturing strategy; rather it reduced the manufacturing strategy to a single important decision of choosing the right type of production technologies employed. Finally the current study investigated the relationship between environmental dynamism, strategy, and performance. The empirical findings indicate that dynamism interacts with strategy to determine performance.
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Moreno, Laura. "Business strategy, marketing strategy and manufacturing strategy: an overall alignment." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Management and Engineering, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-11213.
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Today’s businesses face a competitive war; conceptually, similar to the ones in ancient times. The arena in which this war is battled is the market and it is characterized by being highly dynamic and uncertain. The enemies to be beaten are the competitors who use their core competences (weapons) to conquer the customers’ orders. But no battle is won by chance, neither in business. So, there is a need for a strategy that provides the chance to defeat the enemy by gaining a sustainable competitive advantage over him. The question is: how to do it?
The functional investments, mainly in marketing and manufacturing, need to be aligned with the mainstream strategy (business strategy) so they pull all together in the same direction. The existing literature links these strategies in pairs but not at the same time.
In this study, an analysis of such alignment approaches will be the base to create a model for the simultaneous fit of business strategy, marketing strategy and manufacturing strategy, and to provide some suggestions on how to achieve this match in practice.
Product design strategy will play a key role in order to attain the overall alignment.
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Sakor, Madj. "An examination of strategic alignment between manufacturing strategy and business strategy in Syria." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2008. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.489245.
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Although much of the manufacturing strategy and business strategy literature emphasizes the importance of alignment, little empirical research has addressed strategic alignment between manufacturing strategy and business strategy. Managers' awareness of concepts discussed in the literature raises the profile of manufacturing within the organization, and highlights its role and importance in achieving corporate objectives. Scholars exploring manufacturing strategy stress the importance for strategy of horizontal integration of manufacturing with other functional strategies, and vertical integration to achieve business and corporate-level strategies.
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Spring, Martin. "Manufacturing strategy, product customisation and the marketing/manufacturing interface." Thesis, University of Stirling, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/3183.
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The manufacturing strategy literature is reviewed and it is found to centre on content and process models. However, a number of other issues are present in the literature whose relationship to the central process and content models is less clear. These include the trade-off, focus, flexibility, and generic manufacturing strategies. It is noted that the manufacturing strategy literature does not fully address product customisation. The literature relating to the interface between marketing and manufacturing is found to concentrate either on the identification of conflict areas, or on strategic reconciliation between the functions. Writers in this field do give greater emphasis to product customisation. A case-study method is adopted for the research and the design involves four firms in varying industries. The firms manufacture fork-lift trucks, microswitches, telephone switching systems and diaries, respectively. The case-studies comprise quantitative and qualitative data, and each case chapter includes case-specific analysis. The analysis of all the cases finds that customisation has a very important effect on manufacturing performance. The firms have inconsistencies within their manufacturing strategies, but these are found to rest not only on the firms' manufacturing products with different volume requirements in the same plant, but also on the fact of some of the products being custom-designed. The interface between marketing and manufacturing is found to be more complex and variable than the literature would suggest. The role that customised products play in relationships with customers also varies, although this is inconsistently recognised by the firms.Based on the case-data, a model of product customisation is proposed. This incorporates customisation, flexibility, product architecture, the manufacturing strategy trade-off and the competitive criteria.
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Hallgren, Mattias. "Manufacturing Strategy, Capabilities and Performance." Doctoral thesis, Linköping : Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-8962.
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Sharma, Deven. "Manufacturing strategy : an empirical analysis." Connect to resource, 1987. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view.cgi?acc%5Fnum=osu1262881437.
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Ates, Aylin. "Strategy process in manufacturing SMEs." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2008. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=11809.
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Al-Shuaibi, Khaled M. "Manufacturing strategy : an analysis of the Saudi manufacturing private sector." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 1991. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.263541.
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Iyengar, Gopal S. "Procurement and strategy in manufacturing firms." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2972.
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The strategic role of the Procurement function in manufacturing firms has received increased attention in the literature over the past two decades. Before the 1970s, the supply environment was seen to be stable for most firms, with no particular strategic opportunities or threats. Procurement was treated as an administrative or service function. The oil crisis in the early 1970s changed the situation, bringing in its wake acute inflation and material shortages. The 1980s saw a revolution in manufacturing with the advent of JIT, increased automation and global operations. Theoretical researchers saw the potential for a proactive and strategic role for the Procurement function. This was, however, not reflected in empirical research, which failed to find consistent evidence of firms considering Procurement as strategic. This thesis addresses the gap between precept and practice evident in the literature. A major criticism of the empirical literature is the treatment of the strategic (value) activities on the supply side and the activities of the Procurement department as synonymous. This thesis questioned that view and made a distinction between the two activities. A theoredcal framework was built up from the literature to identify the contexts in which Supply considerations would be strategic. Propositions were generated which allowed for strategic Supply activities both through the Procurement department as well as outside it. The empirical work looked at 25 UK manufacturing firms through the case study approach. The cases were scrutinised for evidence of strategic activities on the supply side, as well as the strategic importance of the Procurement department. The results confirmed that (1) Supply considerations were strategic for a majority of firms. (2) Strategic consideration of Supply depended on a number of contingent variables.(3) Strategic Supply activities were not necessarily reflected in the strategic importance given to the Procurement department.
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Maslen, Roy. "Manufacturing vision in the strategy process." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.309706.
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Pong, E. C. M. "The fit between advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) and manufacturing strategy : implications for manufacturing performance." Thesis, Aston University, 2009. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/15372/.
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Researchers posit that maximum benefit will accrue if there is a fit between the firm's strategies and its Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) difftision. The existing literature discusses how the investment of AMT should be consistent with manufacturing strategy, however little attention has been given to an empirical examination of the link between manufacturing strategy and AMT, and the implications of the fit between these two on manufacturing performance. This thesis addresses that gap in the literature and thus seeks to examine the link between manufacturing strategy and AMT, and how the alignment between these two variables can affect the manufacturing performance.
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Kidane, Simret. "International plastics manufacturing companies’ response to covid-19 in terms of changes in strategy and sourcing." Thesis, Södertörns högskola, Institutionen för samhällsvetenskaper, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-45959.
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The purpose of this thesis is to study how international Swedish plastics manufacturing companies have responded to covid-19 in terms of changes regarding corporate and business unit strategy and global sourcing. As research type a case study consisting of three case companies was applied. Mainly qualitative data using interviews were collected. The conclusions are that a regionalisation of the location of business units of a corporate group and a regionalisation of corporate strategies may take place and that covid-19 may enhance the process of regionalisation of sourcing of the case companies, which may lead to somewhat safer deliveries from suppliers, but higher prices for the case companies. It is suggested that in times of crisis, two types of SWOT-analyses should be made. One SWOT-analysis should cover strategic issues and thus be part of a strategy formulation process and lead to contingency strategies. The second SWOT-analysis should cover global sourcing issues and lead to contingency plan from a sourcing perspective.Syftet med uppsatsen var att studera hur internationella svenska företag inom plastbranschen har svarat på covid-19, vad gäller förändring i företags- och affärsenhetsstrategi och globala inköp. Som forskningstyp valdes en fallstudie med tre fallföretag. Huvudsakligen kvalitativa data samlades in, genom intervjuer. Slutsatserna är att regionalisering avseende lokalisering av en koncerns affärsenheter och regionalisering av företagsstrategier kan ske och att covid-19 kan förstärka processen med regionalisering av fallföretagens inköp, vilket kan leda till något säkrare leveranser från leverantörer, men högre priser för fallföretagen. Det föreslås att det i kristider bör upprättas två typer av SWOT-analyser. En SWOT-analys bör avse strategiska frågor och vara del av strategiformuleringsprocess och leda till eventualitetsstrategier. Den andra SWOT-analysen bör avse globala inköpsfrågor och leda till en eventualitetsplan utifrån ett inköpsperspektiv.
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Tjärnberg, Niklas. "Congruence between product strategy and manufacturing strategy : a framework for collaborative development." Licentiate thesis, KTH, Production Engineering, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-4068.
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Today’s industries face an increasing global competition. Decision makers have to deal with different kinds of uncertainty, a complex business ecosystem, a high pace of change, and an unforgiving market when less than best decisions are made. One, among many others, approach that can lead to these better decisions is to have a strategy.
The objective of this research is:
“To design a model that supports the formulation of product strategy and manufacturing strategy in accordance to each other and thereby facilitate and encourage continuous communication and collaboration between product development and manufacturing system development.”
To help meet the objective, three chapters of frame of reference are presented; Strategy, development processes and design for X. The frame of reference together with discussions in industry (ITT Flygt) has in an iterative manner lead to a suggested model that supports the formulation of product strategy and manufacturing strategy.
Future research will improve, evaluate and validate both the usability of the model and the results from using it in practise. A method for using the model will be developed.
The research project presented in this licentiate thesis is one of seven parallel research projects with a shared objective – to develop systematic working procedures, a generic decision model and decision sub models that support the practical design of a workshop that supports the business strategy of the company.
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Cruz, Machado Virgilio A. "Quality based strategy : modelling for lean manufacturing." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1994. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/3580.
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The research develops and applies an integrated methodology for creating a Lean Manufacturing Environment in a traditional industry: the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Industry. This is achieved by developing a modelling tool using quality as a basis of performance assessment. In the context of the textile industry specific research objectives were: to evaluate current and potential application of Lean Manufacturing; to determine current business performance assessment criteria; to determine current practice in formulation of quality policy and metrics, and their impact on the effectiveness of new production technologies and techniques; to develop an integrated methodology to link the variables identified as important for the creation of a Lean Manufacturing environment; to apply the methodology in selected industrial test sites; and to derive quality system specifications which allow the realisation of Lean Manufacturing. The idea proposed in this thesis uses a quality approach to facilitate the application of Lean Manufacturing to the Textile and Clothing Industry. The author proposes a model for this evolution. Ile model developed includes objective variables (quality, productivity, delivery, cost, innovation, and time related elements), as well as subjective variables (flexibility, technological, and anthropocentric elements). It assesses the company performance from a Lean perspective, and not only from traditional Financial or Quality Assurance perspectives. The model development derived from applied research in 324 companies. A technique based on Data Envelopment Analysis was developed to analyse data from those companies. It assisted quantification of Lean Manufacturing assessment. The research revealed that a particular set of companies, which have implemented quality assurance systems, are closer to achieving Lean Manufacturing objectives. This research project concludes with a proposal for new quality system requirements specifically designed to facilitate the adoption of Lean Manufacturing.
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Hill, Terry. "Manufacturing strategy : developments in approach and analysis." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1990. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4266/.
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For established manufacturing nations, increased competitive pressure has been the way of life since the late 1970s. For the most part however, production decision making in manufacturing industry has not changed to meet these new challenges. It usually takes a subordinate strategic role to the marketing and finance functions with the consequence that it accepts a reactive role in the corporate debate. The outcome is that strategic initiatives and developments are predominantly based on corporate marketing-decisions at the "front end" with manufacturing being forced to react at the "back end" of the debate. Since manufacturing managers come late into these discussions, it is difficult for them to successfully influence corporate decisions. All too often, the result is the formulation and later development of strategies which manufacturing is unable to successfully support. That is not to say that this happens for want of trying - strong is the work ethic in the manufacturing culture. However, if the basic link between the manufacturing processes and infrastructure (ie manufacturing strategy) and the market is not strategically sound, then the business will suffer. There are many reasons why manufacturing is typically reactive in the strategic debate. One important factor is the lack of appropriate concepts and language with which to explain or contribute to corporate decisions. This research has been undertaken to help redress this deficiency. The work began in the early 1980s. Upto that time, both the professional and academic contributions to the field of manufacturing strategy principally concerned statements which highlighted the problem and alerted manufacturing industry as a whole to its size and potential. However, there were in addition some important early pointers as to ways of overcoming the inadequacy of production's contribution to strategy formulation as well as some alternative approaches which firms needed to consider as ways of improving their overall performance. The inability of the production executive to contribute appropriate functional inputs provided the stimulus to undertake this work and to endeavour to build on initial insights as a way of taking forward the subject area of manufacturing strategy. The core of this thesis concerns these developments. Reported here are three contributions to this field of study all of which have been tested in different firms and are increasingly being used by academics, consultants and businesses as a way of helping to gain essential insights into what is a complex problem. The three facets are: • Typically, corporate strategies are composites of functional statements which are inadequately debated one with another in order to understand and test the coherence of the approaches proposed. The result is that the opportunity to fashion corporate strategies supported by all the functions within a business is not adequately pursued. In addition, the necessity to develop corporate strategy in this way and the advantages which ensue have gone unrecognised • The reactive role of manufacturing results in a lack of strategic direction within this function. As a result, typical developments and investments tend to take the form of operational responses undertaken without strategic context. One outcome of the research is a methodology which provides a way in which a business can develop a manufacturing strategy which links manufacturing developments and investments to the needs of its agreed markets. Two applications of this are provided in Chapter 4 • It is most important for an industrial company to recognise that it is attempting to support the inherently changing nature of its markets with manufacturing investments the characteristics of which are fixed in nature and will not change without further investments and developments. Product profiling is a methodology for enabling companies to assess the current level of match between its markets and manufacturing and to recognise the extent to which decisions will effect this in the future. Examples of its application illustrating different sources of mismatch are given in Chapter 5
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Tadikonda, Kalyan Raghava 1966. "Fuel cells : manufacturing strategy for emerging technologies." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/44604.
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Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2001.Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-76).
Firms attempting to commercialize emerging technologies face unique challenges. Strategy making is one of the major challenges especially when the industry structure is embryonic. In this environment, it is important not only to remain flexible to accommodate the evolving market demands, but also to develop the infrastructure to respond to target markets quickly. This thesis presents a framework for developing a manufacturing strategy for emerging technologies and provides a case study for utilizing the model within fuel cell industry. The thesis develops a framework for manufacturing strategy, which includes four phases that lead to product introduction and capacity· expansion for the company to rapidly ramp up production if the product generates high demand. As further market information and customer input are obtained after product introduction, the different phases can be iterated to achieve low cost, high volume manufacturing for full commercialization. This framework was applied to understand International Fuel Cells business plan for residential/light commercial fuel cell commercialization, perform cost analysis on the product, identify core components, assess options for supplier development, determine operations requirements and examine options for capacity expansion. The business plan provided input into the project volumes of production. The production volumes were utilized to perform cost analysis. Cost analysis was used to identify potential technological breakthroughs that would render fuel cells competitive with existing technologies for power generation and transportation. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was utilized to identify core subsystems and components. The different supply chain options and the applicable options for each of the core components were identified. These analyses provided insight into the components that needed investments for technology development. Operation requirements were estimated and capacity expansion options discussed. These options provided insight into the potential investments required. in the near term for residential fuel cell commercialization.
by Kalyan Raghava Tadikonda.
S.M.
M.B.A.
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Lim, Sirirat Sae. "Manufacturing strategy in U.K. start-up companies." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.608976.
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Tan, Yong Kiang. "A fitness landscape model for manufacturing strategy." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2001. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10291/.
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Many studies analyse manufacturing organisations and their problems by reducing or simply throwing away the interacting components; with the assumption that the latter are either negligible or behave linearly. These studies (referred to as reductionism) tend to overlook the importance of these interacting components. An alternative view is to adopt a "complex systems" approach, to understand the manufacturing organisation as a system which evolves over time by adopting characteristics to survive. The aim of this research was to study the development and application of fitness landscape theory (a theory that is part of complex systems theory) in understandinga nd formulating manufacturings trategy. The creation and application of fitness landscape models to help search and select capabilities for manufacturing strategy is the principal area of novelty within this thesis. Several researchers (Maguire, 1997b; Merry, 1998; Beinhocker, 1999) had noted that fitness landscape theory was an appropriate theory for investigating and understanding strategy, but none of these papers made any attempt to understand fitness and relate it to organisations in terms of competitiveness, effectiveness or survival. With this gap and above introduction the contribution that this thesis makes to knowledge is in the following areas: " The creation of knowledge on the boundaries and detail of complex systems theory. This is summarised by a framework that relates the various concepts to manufacturing management issues. " To study manufacturing strategy. This thesis treats manufacturing organisations as complex adaptive systems, with goal directed behaviour. " The creation of a definition and model of "fitness" that is appropriate for organisations in general. This is then developed into a manufacturing specific definition and model. It was concluded that to increase fitness, a manufacturing organisation must possess the ability to inherit, imitate and search manufacturing strategy (or configuration) such as quality, delivery, flexibility, and cost." The above definitions and models are then related to manufacturing strategy formulation in terms of the acquisition of specific capabilities (cost, quality, flexibility and delivery) " The models are then applied and tested on a population of UK manufacturing organisations to explore the relationship between fitness and capabilities. A map which indicates the relative fitness contribution by the four manufacturing capabilities is presented.
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Martin, Brian C. (Brian Christopher). "Manufacturing footprint strategy for product line expansion." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2019. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/122579.
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Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2019, In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MITThesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2019, In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 81-82).
To reach its long term revenue targets, EDSCO Fasteners must expand its smooth bar anchor bolt product line to increase revenue generation. In order to maximize profit during this expansion, an operational strategy must be developed to minimize total landed cost. This project will assess the current manufacturing processes and develop a realistic and practical model of the supply chain. Using data collected through pilot project implementation the model's parameters are calibrated and the model accuracy is validated. By developing this model as a linear optimization program it can be used as a decision support tool to inform the operational strategy. Likely expansion scenarios and decision points (consolidation, acquisition, capital expenditures, etc.) are considered as decision variables in the supply chain optimization model to minimize total landed cost. These results are used to inform a recommended scenario based strategy for product line expansion.
by Brian C. Martin.
M.B.A.
S.M.
M.B.A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management
S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
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Gilgeous, Maria. "Establishing the initiatives of manufacturing excellence." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.243402.
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Daghestani, Shamil F. "Design and Reconfiguration of Manufacturing Systems in Agile Manufacturing Environments." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/31125.
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Agile manufacturing has become a topic of great interest over the past several years. The entire domain of modeling and analyzing different types of agile manufacturing environments and systems, however, remain largely unexplored. The objective of this research is to provide fundamental insight into how manufacturing systems should be designed and reconfigured over time in order to cope with different agile manufacturing environments. To achieve this objective, three approaches are developed and integrated into one simulation-based model. The first approach is used to model different agile manufacturing environments. The second approach is used to define various ways in which manufacturing systems can be designed and reconfigured (i.e., design/reconfiguration strategies). The third comprises the cost and objective functions used to measure system performance when different design/reconfiguration strategies are used in different agile manufacturing environments. Based upon the assumptions adopted during this thesis, the experimental work performed suggests that despite the fact that agility incurs high costs, agile manufacturing systems are indeed necessary for certain manufacturing environments in which product life cycles are short yet demand per product type is high. Therefore, it is important in certain manufacturing environments to focus on reconfiguration in short periods of time, even at the expense of higher reconfiguration costs.Master of Science
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Romouzy, Ali Ahmed Mustafa. "A strategy to deploy rapid prototyping within SMEs." Thesis, Bournemouth University, 2013. http://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/21070/.
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The new century has provided extraordinary opportunities for new product development and manufacturing improvement through the creation of technologies in prototyping and manufacturing. These new technologies enable better allocation of financial resources, save time and create a culture of anticipation and innovation rather than one of design and development. Rapid Prototyping (RP) is at the forefront of this revolution in manufacturing. RP is based on completely new additive techniques that produce fully functional parts directly from a three-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) model without the use of tooling. This offers the potential to change the concept of prototyping, manufacturing, service and distribution with opportunities for producing highly complex and customised products. Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the foundation of the UK economy, generating value and making a significant and crucial contribution to its productivity and performance. The current trade and industry situation has boosted the importance of the SMEs in both developed and developing countries due to the increased reliance of the international partners, but the important point at this stage is that these SMEs should be ready to embrace this global technological challenge. The context of this research, within industrial/manufacturing SMEs, has significance for stimulating new product development, productivity and competitiveness through the deployment of RP technologies within the SMEs. A broad literature review has been conducted, and a longitudinal mixed methodological approach was adopted for the data collection. This has involved a structured questionnaire survey followed by semi-structured interviews with the Executive Managers of SMEs from the industrial/manufacturing sector in the South West of England. The analysis of the collected data, in tandem with the supporting literature, has revealed the factors that influence the deployment of RP technology in SMEs. These findings were formulated into a strategy to help SMEs in making the decision of whether or not to deploy RP technology. The strategy was validated through evaluation and feedback from the Executive Managers of a number of SMEs. This research has contributed new knowledge in the area of RP deployment in SMEs which could potentially have a role in assisting their business survival through increased growth and competitiveness.
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KAUTS, MAREK-ANDRES. "Competitive Strategy for Entering Wind Turbine Manufacturing Industry." Thesis, KTH, Entreprenörskap och Innovation, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-189275.
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The purpose of this thesis is to explore, how it is best to enter to the wind turbine manufacturingindustry and suggest a competitive strategy for that purpose.The thesis follows Michael E. Porter's Competitive Strategy framework. The market is analyzed using data and scenarios from World Energy Council, Global Wind Energy Council and European Wind Energy Association. As competitors, European-based wind turbine manufacturers belonging by their market share to Global Top 10 are analyzed. A five-point competitive strategy is drafted.Technological innovations and business model improvements are not analyzed in this thesis.The result of competitive strategy research performed in this thesis is, that a window to enter to wind turbine manufacturing industry is embedded into the process of establishing a new experience curve. The new experience curve is based on direct drive wind turbine concept. The thesis suggests that the market to enter the industry is European onshore wind turbine market.A major barrier entering the industry is well established relationships between old wind turbine manufacturers and customers whereas the newcomers lack of sufficient references. A strategy to hurdle the barrier is acquiring the references by forward integration. Therefore, to enter to the market, wind turbine company should own its own wind park as a base of references and new product testing. As wind parks product, electricity is a commodity and sold on a commodities market, the forward integration does not need major extra know how.Core competences for the emerging company include product engineering and quality management.
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Herrett, Christopher Robert. "A taxonomy of the business strategy and manufacturing strategy of U.K. companies." Thesis, University of Sunderland, 2001. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.343610.
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Eziashi, Julius. "Manufacturing strategy of firms in emerging economy : the study of Nigerian manufacturing SMEs." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2017. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/33886/.
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This doctoral thesis addresses the topic: Manufacturing Strategy of Firms in Emerging Economy: The Study of Nigerian Manufacturing SMEs. The research attempts to fill the knowledge gap by examining the manufacturing strategy process, manufacturing priorities and challenges relating to Nigerian manufacturing SMEs. Extensive reviews of the relevant literature were carried out, providing an insight into the research question and set out research objectives. The extant literature on manufacturing strategy, manufacturing priorities and manufacturing challenges has provided the theoretical perspective of the study. The study adopted a qualitative research method to gain an in-depth insight and understanding of the manufacturing strategy process and practice of Nigerian manufacturing SMEs. The participating manufacturing SMEs were located in six geopolitical zones within Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the 17 manufacturing SMEs from the target population. The face to face semi-structured interviews were used as data collection instrument. The data collected from the 17 manufacturing SMEs senior managers were analysed using the template analysis, a form of thematic analysis developed by Professor Nigel King. This analysis identified Nigerian SMEs’ manufacturing challenges, priorities and key decision issue considered important for the manufacturing strategy process and practice. The research findings point to an approach in developing manufacturing strategy in an emerging economy. An approach that is directed towards improving the manufacturing process, product quality, competitiveness, manufacturing capacity and other business needs, which has enabled these manufacturing SMEs to respond to their manufacturing priorities and manufacturing challenges. These findings have possible implications for the government, SMEs, policy makers and managers. This study has made a contribution to knowledge by increasing the understanding of manufacturing strategy of SMEs in context of an emerging economy. The study identified Nigerian manufacturing SMEs priorities, challenges and developed strategy that will aid professional practitioners, policymakers and the government to make manufacturing decisions, thereby contributing to practice.
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Baines, Tim S. "Modelling in the evaluation of a manufacturing strategy." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1994. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/3298.
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This thesis describes research that has developed the principles of a modelling tool for the analytical evaluation of a manufacturing strategy. The appropriate process of manufacturing strategy formulation is based on mental synthesis with formal planning processes supporting this role. Inherent to such processes is a stage where the effects of alternative strategies on the performance of a manufacturing system must be evaluated so that a choice of preferred strategy can be made. Invariably this evaluation is carried out by practitioners applying mechanisms of judgement, bargaining and analysis. Ibis thesis makes a significant and original contribution to the provision of analytical support for practitioners in this role. The research programme commences by defining the requirements of analytical strategy evaluation from the perspective of practitioners. A broad taxonomy of models has been used to identify a set of potentially suitable techniques for the strategy evaluation task. Then, where possible, unsuitable modelling techniques have been identified on the basis of evidence in the literature and discarded from this set. The remaining modelling techniques have been critically appraised by testing representative contemporary modelling tools in an industrially based experimentation programme. The results show that individual modelling techniques exhibit various limitations in the strategy evaluation role, though some combinations do appear to provide the necessary functionality. On the basis of this comprehensive and in-depth knowledge a modelling tool ' has been specifically designed for this task. Further experimental testing has then been conducted to verify the principles of this modelling tool. Ibis research has bridged the fields of manufacturing strategy formulation and manufacturing systems modelling and makes two contributions to knowledge. Firstly, a comprehensive and in-depth platform of knowledge has been established about modelling techniques in manufacturing strategy evaluation. Secondly, the principles of a tool that supports this role have been formed and verified.
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Musaphir, Hamza. "A system dynamics approach to studying manufacturing strategy." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk3/ftp04/nq23643.pdf.
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Kim, Jongsung. "Manufacturing strategy and the environment : an analytical study." Connect to resource, 1989. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view.cgi?acc%5Fnum=osu1265730795.
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Platts, Kenneth Walter. "Manufacturing audit in the process of strategy formulation." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 1990. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.279577.
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Chen, Ching-Yaw. "Manufacturing management : the weak link in Taiwan's strategy." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.362905.
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O'Kennedy, J. N. F. "A sustainability strategy development tool for manufacturing enterprises." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4290.
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Thesis (MScEng (Industrial Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is to develop a tool to enable manufacturing enterprises to develop a sustainability strategy suited to their specific business. In the study, the business reality that faces enterprises is discussed from a systems perspective. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable development are explored. Specific attention is paid to building mental models of what these concepts entail and the application thereof in individual manufacturing enterprises. Specific strategies and concepts, such as the Five Capitals Model, the Natural Step and Industrial Ecology, are highlighted. These tools and strategies are then consolidated into a ―Sustainable Roadmap‖, a tool to facilitate the development of a sustainability strategy. The ―Sustainability Roadmap‖ is tested by applying it to a case study.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: maatskappye sal help om ‗n onderneming spesifieke volhoubaarheids strategie te ontwikkel. In die studie word die besigheids realiteit van vervaardigingsmaatskappye bespreek van sistemiese perspektief. Die konsepte van volhoubaarheid en volhoubare ontwikkeling word verken. Spesifieke aandag word gegee aan die bou van modelle van wat hierdie konsepte behels. Spesifieke strategieë en modelle soos die ―Five Capitals Model‖, ―Natural Step‖ en ‖Industrial Ecology‖ word uitgelig. Hierdie konsepte en strategieë word dan saamgevat op ‗n sistematiese manier in ‗n ―Volhoubaarheids Padkaart‖, ‗n padkaart wat maatskappye kan volg om ‗n volhoubaarheids strategie te ontwikkel. Die ―Volhoubaarheids Padkaart‖ word getoets deur dit toe te pas op ‗n gevallestudie.
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Edh, Mirzaei Nina. "Involving individuals in the manufacturing strategy formation : Strategic consensus among workers and managers." Doctoral thesis, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics, Operations Management, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-30031.
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Decisions made and actions taken by individuals in the operations function impact the formation of a company’s manufacturing strategy (MS). Therefore, it is important that the MS is understood and agreed on by all employees, that is, strategic consensus among the individuals in the operations function is essential. This research contributes to the current body of knowledge by including a workers’ perspective on MS formation. It is the workers on the shop floor who bring the MS to life in the actual operations through their daily decisions and actions. The MS falls short if the priorities outlined do not materialise in practice as intended. The purpose of this research is to investigate how the individuals in the operations function perceive the MS in order to understand how these individuals are involved in the MS formation. The research is based on five studies, differing by evidence, as follows: one theoretical, three qualitative in the setting of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and one quantitative at a large company. Based on the findings presented in the six appended papers, the results show that empirically and conceptually, workers have been overlooked or given a passive role in the MS formation. Empirically, it is seen that workers and managers do not have a shared understanding of the underlying reasons for strategic priorities; hence, the level of strategic consensus is low. Furthermore, the level of strategic consensus varies among the different MS dimensions depending on their organisational level. Moreover, the empirical findings reveal that internal contextual factors influence the individuals’ perceptions of the MS and the possibilities for strategic consensus. Regarding the external context, the results show that major customers’ strategies influence the subcontractor SMEs’ MS formation. The usage of means of communication in the operations function has also shown to be of importance for how the MS is perceived. Conceptually, the findings indicate that the MS literature tends to treat individuals in the operations function in a deterministic manner; individuals on the shop floor are regarded as manufacturing resources. To ensure a successful MS formation process, where the patterns of the decisions made by the individuals in the operations function forms the MS, the view on human nature within the MS requires a more voluntaristic approach. This research suggests to view the MS formation as an iterative “patterning process” which builds on a reciprocal relationship between workers and managers. The introduction of the patterning process contributes to the research on MS formation by explaining the perception range within the hierarchical levels, by re-defining the hierarchical levels included in the MS formation and by detailing the activities in the MS formation.
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Sisson, K. T. "Strategic analysis in a mining manufacturing organisation." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.376648.
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Szwejczewski, Marek Gregory. "The delivery reliability of UK manufacturing plants : an empirical study." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.284873.
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Llach, Pagès Josep. "Essays on innovation in manufacturing environments: strategy and production." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Girona, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/7964.
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La present tesi doctoral és un recull de cinc articles científics que analitzen l'ús d'innovacions dins l'àmbit manufacturer. Entenent el concepte innovació en un sentit ampli, no només tecnològic. La tesi està estructurada en dos grans apartats, estratègia i producció. En el primer dels apartats, s'inclouen tres treballs. El primer treball és un anàlisi de quines són les principals barreres percebudes per les empreses en la cooperació en R&D. Els altres dos treballs són estudis empírics del comportament estratègic de les empreses que pertanyen al sector tèxtil i confecció. Respecte al segon gran apartat, producció, es presenten dos treballs. El primer treball, presenta per primer cop a Espanya dades detallades sobre l'ús d'innovacions tecnològiques dins l'àmbit manufacturer així com analitza el seu impacte en els resultats de l'empresa. Finalment, l'últim dels treballs estudia la relació entre l'ús d'innovacions organitzatives i la implantació de diferents nivells de qualitat dins l'empresa.La presente tesis doctoral es una recopilación de cinco artículos científicos que analizan el uso de innovaciones en el ámbito manufacturero. Entendiendo el concepto innovación en un sentido amplio, no sólo tecnológico. La tesis está estructurada en dos grandes apartados, estrategia y producción. El primero de los apartados incluye tres trabajos. El primer trabajo es un análisis de cuáles son las principales barreras percibidas por las empresas en la cooperación en I+D. Los otros dos son estudios empíricos del comportamiento estratégico de las empresas que pertenecen al sector textil y confección. Respecto al apartado de producción, se presentan dos trabajos. Mientras el primero presenta por primera vez en España datos detallados sobre el uso de innovaciones tecnológicas así cómo analiza su impacto en los resultados de la empresa, el segundo, estudia la relación entre el uso de innovaciones organizativas y la implantación de diferentes niveles de calidad dentro la empresa.
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Ellson, Tom. "Improving the adoption levels of manufacturing strategy formulation processes." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2002. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/10728.
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This thesis investigates the adoption rate of manufacturing strategy formulation processes and provides insights into why current formulation process workbooks are not widely adopted. A paradigm is developed to enhance the adoption of process workbooks in the manufacturing environment and attempts to bridge the gap between tried and tested processes and their practical application in manufacturing industry. Manufacturing strategy formulation processes have been developed to assist manufacturing companies in the development of manufacturing strategies. There is evidence that the adoption of these processes and the development of strategies within manufacturing industry are beneficial. However, some literature provides anecdotal evidence suggesting that adoption levels of these formulation processes are low. The research programme investigates if, and why, the adoption of manufacturing strategy formulation processes has been low. lndustrially based interviews have been used that confirm the low level of adoption of these processes. A variety of reasons have been identified. These mainly focus on the presentation and format of process workbooks. Several proposals are made to enhance the adoption of manufacturing strategy formulation processes. I particular, the research identifies four key areas that should be considered in the future presentation of manufacturing strategy formulation process. These key areas can be summarised as validity, attention, simplicity, and holistic perspective forming the basis of a paradigm to increase the use of workbooks and the adoption of strategy formulation processes by manufacturing managers. The findings of this research and the development of a paradigm offer practical assistance to bridge the gap between research activities and practitioner requirements. The paradigm has been evaluated by further interviews with industry practitioners and makes a useful contribution to the formulation and application of strategy in manufacturing industry.
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Johansson, Pontus. "Adapting manufacturing strategy to industrial after-sales service operations." Doctoral thesis, Linköping : Department of Production Economics, Linköping Institute of Technology, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-7026.
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Lyons, Andrew Charles. "An information systems applications strategy for a manufacturing enterprise." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.484221.
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Williams, Keith H. "Manufacturing strategy and performance in European automotive engine plants." Thesis, Cardiff University, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.327302.
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English, Orion T. (Orion Tyler). "Quality improvement strategy in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/90760.
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Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 78-81).
In the manufacturing of any complex product it is a generally accepted phenomenon that defects will occur at various stages in the process. In aircraft modification and repair facilities, the low levels of automation and high degree of manual labor results in a significant increase in the rate of errors and defects caused throughout the production cycle. This results in a significant amount of unplanned rework that is scheduled and executed along with the previously planned work. This thesis presents a project carried out during an internship at Boeing focused on developing and implementing a quality management strategy targeting improvement projects to reduce rework and the occurrence of defects. This includes both the development of analysis and communication tools for identifying the most common causes of rework and working with teams to develop improvement projects to reduce their occurrence. The modification facility where the project took place was still in its early stage of operation, having only been in operation for a short period of time prior to the start of the internship. This created a very dynamic work environment that was constantly evolving and improving at every level of the organization. Previous quality initiatives had been started in the past but a lack of support and commitment from senior management inhibited their adoption. The quality initiative is focused on several key quality metrics that have been identified by the leadership team at the company. The quality management strategy is developed through a cross-functional team effort, bringing a data driven approach and aspects of several common continuous improvement methodologies. Following the framework established during the internship, some project examples are provided along with the methodology behind the root cause and corrective action steps taken.
by Orion T. English.
M.B.A.
S.M.
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Chandra, Vikash M. Eng Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Michael Tulley. "Raw material inventory strategy for make-to-order manufacturing." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/107523.
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Thesis: M. Eng. in Logistics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Supply Chain Management Program, 2016."June 2016." Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-64).
What is the appropriate raw material inventory strategy for a make-to-order manufacturing company? As companies grow in size and the business environment changes over time, many companies adapt their operating policies to remain competitive. However, some policies, such as raw material inventory policies, are left untouched as "legacies" of the company's past due to lower priorities or lack of adequate data. These raw material inventory policies are of particular importance to manufacturing firms, especially those that often operate at maximum capacity or have seasonality in demand. This research proposes a raw material inventory policy evaluation tool that allows a company to understand how certain key performance indicators are affected by various changes in its inventory policy and helps the company devise a strategy. This evaluation tool can then guide the company towards a better inventory policy in the absence of cost information and shows the results in terms of number of events. The company can then adjust various replenishment policies depending on the product's demand characteristics. In addition, the research demonstrates that inventory policy changes can be used to partially overcome supplier service level declines and demand variability.
by Vikash Chandra and Michael Tully.
M. Eng. in Logistics
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Li, Meng M. Eng Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "An optimal stock building strategy in a manufacturing company." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/42323.
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Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 54).
This thesis aims to tackle a demand seasonality problem by building either work-in-process inventory or finished goods inventory before the peak season. A linear programming algorithm is developed to determine the optimal way for stock building in order to satisfy the demand with minimum inventory holding cost. An optimization software ILOG OPL Studio 5.1 is used to solve the LP model to optimality within several seconds. The purpose of the analysis is three fold: (1) to identify the bottleneck processes where the capacities fall short of demand; (2) to generate the optimal stock building policy that minimizes the inventory holding cost; (3) to derive a cost-efficient executable production plan with consideration of the operating labor cost. The strategy outlined can be applied easily in actual manufacturing. This efficient and robust model can be used to obtain optimal stock building policy with various demand and capacity scenarios. It can be a useful tool for the company to develop stock building strategy for future demand with improved installed capacity. Key words: Optimization, linear programming, inventory building policy Disclaimer: Theeontent of the thesis is modified to protect the real identity of the attachment company. Company name and confidential information are omitted.
by Meng Li.
M.Eng.
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Creighton, John (John Stuart) 1970. "Supply chain strategy for technology manufacturing : a case study." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34713.
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Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2000.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-45).
This thesis explores a variety of logistics strategies for Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions (QWBS), focusing on the OmniTRACS system and MVPc display. I develop and apply a model that considers the interactions of inventory processing and inventory movement in the context of total supply chain costs. My goal is to minimize purchased product inventory while reducing product lead-times. Without a formal model, supply chain organization decisions tend to replicate existing designs because it is difficult to find a better solution by trial and error due to the numerous alternatives and the number of variables involved. To develop an understanding of the issues at QWBS, I began by researching technology manufacturing supply chains. I also developed a cost model for analyzing QWBS's supply chain. The final form of this model is a series of spreadsheets which accepts cost data, lead times, and variable demand as key inputs, and produces overall supply chain cost distributions. The supply chain is modeled as a series of processing nodes and transfer links. The model derives its results by simulating variable demand and summing the cost contributions of the nodes and links for each trial. The supply chain research and the cost model provide Qualcomm with a realistic and usable tool to compare both intra- and inter-company supply chain designs in terms of overall channel costs. Furthermore, my results suggest that QWBS should focus its direct shipping supply chain efforts on customers whose demand variation is smaller than QWBS's overall customer average.
by John Creighton.
S.M.
M.B.A.
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Assakul, Phensoame Fai. "Future perspectives for manufacturing : exploring the futures-strategy interface." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.615257.
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Stenfeldt, Alexander, and Jens Brauer. "Strategy for digital transformation that supports manufacturing business value." Thesis, Mälardalens högskola, Akademin för innovation, design och teknik, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-53048.
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The emergence of new digital technologies and their potential strategic contribution is currently one of the most prominent concerns for organizations. Despite the opportunity brought on by modern digital technology, an estimated 66-84% of digital transformation projects end up failing. Therefore, a research question was formulated as; How to formulate a strategy for digital transformation that supports manufacturing business value? An abductive research approach was utilized to reach two main research objectives; Creating a description of how the current and future digital landscape is understood and creating a description of how digital transformation can be constructed and what strategies and/or strategical elements exist within that construct. Furthermore, one manufacturing case company within the automotive industry and specifically its formal initiative and efforts to conduct a digital transformation were examined. By creating this comprehensive context, it was believed that existing knowledge could be solidified, and new knowledge could be created to answer the research question. Scattered and diverse findings regarding a multitude of elements are presented in the frame of reference, in order to build a strong basis for analysis. Distinguished levels of conceptual strategies within the construct of digital transformation are recognized as “Digital Business Strategy” and “Digital Transformation Strategy”. An empirical study is presented that examines present elements such as a conceptual roadmap, task teams, and an overall description of a formal initiative towards digital transformation, as well as how these elements are interpreted and understood by leaders within the organization. The analysis consists of a comparison between the presented literature and the empirical findings. This is viewed through the lens of the research objectives in order to show commonalities and differences between the literature and the case company, and to corroborate findings. Most prominent is the absence of a digital business strategy at the case company in contrast to the expressed necessity for one in the literature. In a presented discussion, strategy as a linkage between business value and digital transformation is argued to be direct through a digital business strategy. The answer to the stated research question is that digital transformation and strategy formulation can not be understood as a linear, but rather an iterative and evolving process involving building an absorptive capacity, assessing maturity, formulating a digital business strategy, and creating a roadmap and a digital transformation strategy that support the digital business strategy and the maturity level. Conclusively, the findings of this report are corroborated by each other but lack empirical evidence as to the meaning of being successful and valuable manufacturing business in the setting of the fourth industrial revolution is yet unknown. However, practitioners are encouraged to employ a conscious business model perspective, while researchers are discouraged of thinking about digital transformation as a linear and sequential process.
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KARLSSON, INGRID, and JENNY LINDSTRÖM. "Lithium-ion Battery Recycling : From a Manufacturing Strategy Perspective." Thesis, KTH, Industriell Management, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-238097.
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The electrification of the transport sector in combination with an increased demand for storage solutions for renewable energy is contributing to a rapid growth of the battery market. Lithium-ion batteries have shown to be a promising technology for efficient energy storage the last two decades. A rapidly increasing battery production will however cause challenges within waste management and put pressure on current recycling infrastructures. Within research, insufficient attention has been given to how traditional manufacturing strategy is applied within recycling environments. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate if and how the unique characteristics of battery recycling affect its manufacturing strategy. A case study of the planning of a battery recycling unit was conducted in collaboration with Northvolt AB to detect challenges and unique characteristics for battery recycling. A framework within manufacturing strategy was applied on the contextual study to identify underlying factors to be considered when building a large scale recycling. Based on multiple interviews with industry expert’s, critical factors were identified and classified according to the literature framework. Our research concludes that the main categories within traditional manufacturing strategy are valid within a recycling environment. On an operational level, however, it was implied that the specific characteristics for recycling have to be considered when formulating a manufacturing strategy. To concretize, it is suggested that attention is given to uncertainties in inflow, of both timing and amount of discarded products. It is important to carefully consider the variety in battery chemistry fed into the recycling process and to design a flexible process, to be prepared for future disruption. Furthermore, managerial implications for battery producers are to facilitate recycling through three key aspects; simplifying the disassembly of battery systems, developing intelligent labelling systems and to push for industry standards.Elektrifieringen av transportsektorn i kombination med en ökad efterfrågan av förnybar energi, bidrar till en snabb tillväxt av batterimarknaden. Litiumjonbatterier har under de senaste två decennierna visat sig vara en lovande teknologi för effektiv energilagring. En snabbt ökande batteriproduktion skapar dock utmaningar för nuvarande återvinningssystem. Otillräcklig forskning har givits till hur traditionell produktionsstrategi kan appliceras i återvinningsmiljöer. Därav var målet med denna studie att undersöka om och hur återvinningsmiljöns unika karaktär påverkar dess produktionsstrategi. En case studie av en planerad återvinningsanläggning genomfördes i samarbete med Northvolt AB, för att identifiera utmaningar och unika karaktärsdrag för batteriåtervinning. Ett litterärt ramverk inom produktionsstrategi applicerades på den kontextuella studien för att sammanställa och utvärdera underliggande faktorer som bör tas i beaktning för en storskalig återvinningsanläggning. Efter ett flertal intervjuer med experter kunde kritiska faktorer identifieras och klassificeras enligt det litterära ramverket. Studien visar att huvudkategorierna inom traditionell produktionsstrategi även gäller för återvinnig. På en operationell nivå konstateras det dock att den specifika karaktären för återvinning måste tas i beaktning när strategin utformas. För att konkretisera rekommenderas det att osäkerheter i inflöde, gällande fördröjning och mängder av kasserade batterier, hanteras i samarbete med externa aktörer som kan garantera en kontinuerlig leverans. Det är även viktigt att se över variationen av batterikemier som behandlas i återvinningsprocessen samt att designa en flexibel process som snabbt kan anpassas till framtida behov. Slutligen indikerar studien att batteriproducenter bör sträva efter att förenkla batteriåtervinning genom tre huvudpunkter; underlätta demontering av batterisystem, utveckla intelligent märkning och främja industristandarder.
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Elliott, Riley F. "Manufacturing Execution System (MES) An Examination of Implementation Strategy." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2013. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/997.
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The priorities of executing the manufacturing orders generated by an MRP system are often in operational conflicts with the dynamics of the manufacturing floor. It is not uncommon for a given manufacturing order to reach the shop floor several weeks or longer after being "opened" by an MRP system where it may face a chaotic case of large queues, machine down-time, parts shortage, scrap problems and other resource management constraints. Many companies have resorted to the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software solution to resolve these problems. This method first gained popularity in mid-90’s within the semiconductor industry. An MES approach is an on-line, real-time data gathering, analysis and storage to assist in short-interval scheduling (shift or day) manufacturing operations with an emphasis on revising scheduling priorities. It is essentially an information system tool for the shop floor and if designed properly, it may be used as an advisory system for effective decision-making. However, in implementation MES faces several challenges including the proper software platform/architecture, integration within ERP or a stand-alone best-of-breed, amount and type of data/information to be exchanged with the MRP engine, and a user-centered interface for various layers of decision making. This paper will provide a detailed background on various technical, software, and organizational factors that the use of an MES implementation may impose upon the practitioner. Furthermore, and as a case study, it will discuss a systematic implementation strategy for MES at a high-tech company in California. The discussion of the critical success factors in implementation planning will hopefully be of value to both practitioners and researchers in similar projects.
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Kiridena, Senevi Bandara Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Faculty of Engineering UNSW. "Exploring deeper structures in manufacturing strategy formation processes: a qualitative inquiry." Publisher:University of New South Wales. Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, 2009. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/43643.
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This thesis reports on an empirical investigation into manufacturing strategy (MS) formation in practice. The broad objective is to advance the understanding of MS processes through constructing consistent patterns in decision-making and action-taking relating to the manufacturing structure and infrastructure of the organisations studied. Using a combined "Grounded Theory - Case Study" approach, nine organisations within the metal products, machinery and equipment manufacturing sectors in Australia were studied, in order to address the following research questions: How are competitive priorities arrived at and translated into decisions and actions regarding the manufacturing structure and infrastructure? What are the consistent patterns of manufacturing strategy formation within specific organisational contexts and why those patterns exist that way? Qualitative data gathered through interviews conducted with the management staff - based on the sequences of events, actions and decisions, as well as other broader aspects of MS - were analysed by means of progressive coding. The themes, relationships and conceptual schemas emerged through the coding process are presented using narratives and graphical displays. The overall findings are presented in aggregate terms using a conceptual model, supplemented by several theoretical propositions. Deeper structures in MS processes represent linear and parallel, converging and diverging and sequential and iterative progression of strategic initiatives across four major phases identified as initiation, progression, commitment and realisation. The multiple modes of initiation, alternative paths of consolidation and differing forms of commitment and realisation are explained by the nature of strategic initiatives, the causal links between the modes themselves and the influence of certain organisational contextual factors. When enfolded in extant literature, these findings make two major contributions. First, apart from corroborating the complex and dynamic nature of MS formation in practice, they explicate the underlying patterns and alternative forms of MS formation. Second, they demonstrate some causal relationships between alternative forms of MS formation and certain contextual factors. These insights would inform future research, leading towards the development of a plausible mid-range theory of MS processes. They would also help practitioners to better understand the dynamics of MS formation and to nurture appropriate forms of MS formation within specific organisational settings.
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Simmons, Michael L. "Strategies for Hiring Skilled Furniture Manufacturing Workers." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5125.
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In April 2013, the U.S. unemployment rate was 7.6% and did not drop as quickly in the recent recession as in past recessions. The Unemployment and Job Creation Program study informed readers that many employers could not find qualified workers. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore hiring managers' strategies to locate and hire skilled workers in the furniture manufacturing industry. The target sample included 3 furniture manufacturers located in Huntsville, Alabama who have successfully developed and implemented strategies for hiring skilled workers. The skill shortage theory was the conceptual framework for this study. In the job market, skill was a persistent theme in the discussion of unemployment. The data collected resulted from face-to-face interviews with 3 managers in the furniture manufacturing business, transcribed interview responses, company documentation, and observation notes. Data analysis included an assessment of word frequencies, keyword coding, and theme identification. The findings included 4 themes: strategy, effective strategy, barriers, and mitigation. Implementing these recommendations may increase managers' effectiveness in hiring. Implications for social change include establishing a credible hiring strategy that provides an opportunity for increasing local employment. The benefits of industries implementing an effective hiring strategy are community awareness and less local unemployment. The employment growth strengthens the community with the increase in spending which creates a thriving economy. An increase in pay provides opportunities for higher education and better provisions for employees' families.