A generic model of organisational change towards world class manufacturing

Tey, Joo Guan Martin (2003). A generic model of organisational change towards world class manufacturing. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Since the start of the ‘information age’ in the mid-70s, manufacturing industry has experienced major changes in customer satisfaction requirements, market competitiveness, technology advancements, product life cycles and organisational working culture. There has been a constant evolution in new management approaches and tools. Manufacturing companies struggle to keep up with the pace of change and to adapt to new methodologies.

‘World class manufacturing’ (WCM) was introduced in the early 80s to address this problem. Since then, however, it has been diversely defined and approached. This has created confusion and has left the existence of WCM in question.

The main aim of the research is to create a generic model of organisational change towards WCM. This management model, named the ‘birds of change’ (BoC), is developed by two means - first the study of existing models / frameworks related to WCM, and second the investigation of four manufacturing firms and their change programmes. To achieve this aim, several objectives have been set. First a standard definition of WCM needs to be established. Investigations then need to be carried out in the areas of measures of performance (MoPs), prioritisation of actions, culture and dynamics of change.

The industrial applications of the BoC model proved its capacity to translate business strategies into shop floor operations, to facilitate modem WCM principles and tools, to align WCM objectives to appropriate MoPs, and to incorporate a soft structure involving cultural issues. A scoring system has also been developed to supplement the BoC model with the ability to assess a company’s change implementation.

In conclusion, a standard definition of WCM was established, and the areas of importance have been investigated. Hence the aim of the research has been achieved, which is to create a model that is generic to the organisational change of any manufacturing company towards WCM.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):