Background The OEMs are facing fundamental changes. The importance of the quality of products in the automotive industry has changed to being exclusively dependent on the demand and sense of the customer. The OEMs have to react quickly on trends to fulfill the customer demands and be technically innovative. These innovations and intensity of their implication lead to a high cost pressure for the OEMs again. Therefore, the OEMs need to work together with their suppliers. Production strategies like TQM or outsourcing are known as the key to success. Although cost and quality management themselves are quite well-investigated in literature, and the use of both TQM and outsourcing are widely implemented in the OEMs’ strategies to improve quality and reduce costs, studies about the combination of TQM and outsourcing and their impact on quality and costs cannot be found. The wide spread opinion of managers is that quality and costs cannot support each other. Purpose In our Master Thesis we wanted to find out how quality and costs are related to each other to fulfill the given goals. The purpose was to examine the impact of the two common methods, TQM and outsourcing, on costs and quality for the OEMs. We explored how the concepts interact and support costs and quality. Furthermore, the analysis states how these approaches are related within a supply chain and how automobile manufacturers can use both approaches to assure low costs and high quality at the same time. Method Our Master Thesis is a theoretical study based on a qualitative research method. We used scientific articles and literature for the theory and combined these in the analysis with the data and results from previous case studies as the empiric value. We combined this through the deductive approach. We not only used a positivistic view, but we also used a hermeneutic view due to the fact that analysis and conclusion incorporate both scientific articles and also personal interpretations. Results and Conclusion We concluded that precisely these two methods, outsourcing and TQM, supplement each other and fit together very well to assure the efficiency of the automobile OEMs with high quality and low costs at the same time. This is due to the fact that outsourcing is often used in companies and reduces the costs of OEMs; and TQM alone leads to quality improvements. Not only do they work well separately in companies, but outsourcing lays ideal foundations for an efficient TQM implementation. Suggestions on Continued Research We could not find any studies where these two approaches were researched in combination. Thus, one good future research could be to go on with empirical analyses about this theme in the automotive industry, for example by conducting surveys or interviews with OEMs. A case study about the combination of TQM and outsourcing could verify our mostly from the theory concluded results of the interrelation. A further deviation on the research could be that suppliers, instead of OEMs, could be the focus of the study.

<p>Background</p><p>The OEMs are facing fundamental changes. The importance of the quality of products in the automotive industry has changed to being exclusively dependent on the demand and sense of the customer. The OEMs have to react quickly on trends to fulfill the customer demands and be technically innovative. These innovations and intensity of their implication lead to a high cost pressure for the OEMs again. Therefore, the OEMs need to work together with their suppliers. Production strategies like TQM or outsourcing are known as the key to success. Although cost and quality management themselves are quite well-investigated in literature, and the use of both TQM and outsourcing are widely implemented in the OEMs’ strategies to improve quality and reduce costs, studies about the combination of TQM and outsourcing and their impact on quality and costs cannot be found. The wide spread opinion of managers is that quality and costs cannot support each other.</p><p>Purpose</p><p>In our Master Thesis we wanted to find out how quality and costs are related to each other to fulfill the given goals. The purpose was to examine the impact of the two common methods, TQM and outsourcing, on costs and quality for the OEMs. We explored how the concepts interact and support costs and quality. Furthermore, the analysis states how these approaches are related within a supply chain and how automobile manufacturers can use both approaches to assure low costs and high quality at the same time.</p><p>Method</p><p>Our Master Thesis is a theoretical study based on a qualitative research method. We used scientific articles and literature for the theory and combined these in the analysis with the data and results from previous case studies as the empiric value. We combined this through the deductive approach. We not only used a positivistic view, but we also used a hermeneutic view due to the fact that analysis and conclusion incorporate both scientific articles and also personal interpretations.</p><p>Results and Conclusion</p><p>We concluded that precisely these two methods, outsourcing and TQM, supplement each other and fit together very well to assure the efficiency of the automobile OEMs with high quality and low costs at the same time. This is due to the fact that outsourcing is often used in companies and reduces the costs of OEMs; and TQM alone leads to quality improvements. Not only do they work well separately in companies, but outsourcing lays ideal foundations for an efficient TQM implementation.</p><p>Suggestions on Continued Research</p><p>We could not find any studies where these two approaches were researched in combination. Thus, one good future research could be to go on with empirical analyses about this theme in the automotive industry, for example by conducting surveys or interviews with OEMs. A case study about the combination of TQM and outsourcing could verify our mostly from the theory concluded results of the interrelation. A further deviation on the research could be that suppliers, instead of OEMs, could be the focus of the study.</p>

No abstract available. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Miami University, Dept. of Political Science, 2007. / Title from second page of PDF document. Includes bibliographical references (p. 136-141).

The present study adopted a “field-laboratory-field” approach in the assessment of the efficacy of ergonomics interventions specific to two selected tasks evaluated in a South African automotive industry. Initial field testing was conducted in an Eastern Cape (South Africa) automotive plant where high risk areas were identified during walkthrough ergonomics surveys in conjunction with interaction with operators. Temporal factors and working postures of 12 industrial workers were recorded and observed, while physiological and perceptual responses were assessed. Two priority areas were focused upon for analysis, namely the Paintshop and Bodyshop with the former identified as being the more taxing of the two tasks. Responses of 30 students participating in rigourously controlled laboratory simulations were subsequently collected while completing the two tasks, namely the Paintshop Trolley Transfer (PTT) and Car Door Carriage (CDC) for participants. Working postures, kinematic, physiological and perceptual responses were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Following the laboratory experimentation a basic re-evaluation was conducted at the plant to assess whether the proposed changes had a positive effect on working postures, physiological and perceptual responses. The results of the preliminary field investigation revealed a prevalence of awkward working postures and excessive manual work in both areas. Laboratory experimentation revealed a notable reduction in task demands pre- versus post-intervention. The PTT mean lean angle for two-handed pre-intervention pulling observations of 23.7° (±3.51) was reduced to 13.9° (±2.21) post-intervention. Low back disorder (LBD) risk was reduced during the two-handed pull intervention (from 36.8% ±8.03 to 21.7% ±5.31). A significant decrement in heart rate responses from 103 bt.min-1 (±11.62) to 93 bt.min[superscript -1] (±11.77) was recorded during the two-handed symmetrical pushing intervention. The electromyography (EMG) responses for one-handed pushing and pulling pre-intervention showed the highest levels of muscular activity in the right medial deltoid due to an awkward and asymmetrical posture. CDC responses demonstrated that minor changes in the storage height of the door resulted in a significant reduction in sagittal flexion from 28.0° (±4.78) to 20.7° (±5.65). Predictions of average probability of LBD risk were significantly reduced from 50.3% (±5.91) to 39.8% (±5.10) for post-intervention car door lifting. In addition, the greatest reduction in EMG activity as a %MVC was achieved during sub-task ii (reduced from 35.1 to 13.7% and 30.5 to 13.9% for left and right erector spinae respectively) which was associated with the introduction of the transfer trolley for the door transfer phase of the CDC. Re-evaluation in the automotive plant revealed that the most notable change has been the implementation of automated ride on trolleys in the Paintshop. The Bodyshop area has also been modified to allow more effective job rotation and the step into the storage bin has been reduced via a “low-cost” stepping platform. Mean heart rate recordings were reduced from 94 (±9.77) bt.min[superscript -1] to 81 (±3.72) bt.min[superscript -1] in the Paintshop. Overall the results demonstrate the effect of “low-cost” interventions in reducing the physical stresses placed on workers in the automotive industry where much of the work is still done manually.

Orientador: Flávia Luciane Consoni de Mello / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T17:31:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barassa_Edgar_M.pdf: 1763490 bytes, checksum: 150d4a1e9b699993d6ea840d34588afa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: A indústria automobilística global está passando por um período de reestruturação, a qual deverá contemplar o uso de tecnologias alternativas às tradicionais com o propósito de aumentar a eficiência energética dos veículos e paralelamente reduzir as emissões de poluentes. Neste contexto, os veículos elétricos (VE) caracterizam-se como uma das alternativas possíveis frente a este cenário de novas demandas. Essa dissertação avança nesta temática ao investigar, descrever e analisar a trajetória histórica, tecnológica e de mercado do veículo elétrico. Para o aprofundamento ao tema, observou-se a competição tecnológica pelo sistema de propulsão dominante, que ocorreu entre: 1) o motor a vapor; 2) os conversores eletromecânicos de energia (motores elétricos); e 3) os motores a combustão interna, sendo o último caracterizado como vencedor. Ao longo dos 50 anos que seguiriam a partir do fechamento do motor a combustão interna em 1920 como paradigma tecnológico, os veículos elétricos praticamente desaparecem. O projeto do veículo elétrico só foi retomado a partir da década de 1970, com os estímulos vindos da agenda ambiental, da poluição do ar e seus impactos na saúde pública e do aumento do uso dos combustíveis fósseis. Porém, será a partir do século XXI que o segmento dos veículos elétricos irá ascender tanto do lado tecnológico quanto de mercado. Foram observadas três configurações mais promissoras a respeito da tecnologia dos veículos elétricos: a bateria, híbrido e a células a combustíveis. As três configurações apresentam barreiras e desafios, os quais estão sendo sistematicamente trabalhados pelas empresas que estão dispensando esforços para o segmento. Isto é observado com base na evolução das patentes publicadas sobre veículos elétricos e suas tecnologias. Sendo assim, é possível, ainda, constatar a evolução das vendas dos veículos elétricos nos Estados Unidos, Japão e em um pequeno número de países europeus. O êxito mercadológico fica para os modelos híbridos, com vendas sete vezes superiores aos veículos elétricos a bateria. Transpondo esta discussão para o contexto brasileiro atual, salientamos que o Brasil possui os atores (órgãos governamentais, empresas e instituições públicas de pesquisa) e condições (mercado automobilístico consolidado e know-how) necessários para a formação de um complexo automobilístico voltado aos veículos elétricos, porém as ações em curso no país são pontuais. Ainda que tais iniciativas possam favorecer a criação de competências específicas para o veículo elétrico, elas se mostram pouco efetivas para criar as condições que permitam o Brasil ocupar posição de destaque neste mercado. Ao menos que se projete um rol de políticas claras de apoio e suporte ao desenvolvimento de tecnologias locais destinadas ao veículo elétrico, poucos avanços serão conquistados neste campo tecnológico / Abstract: Automobile industry across the world is undergoing structural change. Advances in emission regulations and the effects of oil price fluctuations are forcing carmakers towards new product programs that use new technologies in order to increase the energy efficiency of vehicles, reduce emissions and decrease environment impacts. In this context, electric vehicles have been considered as one of the possible alternatives for this scenario of new demands. This dissertation advances on this topic to investigate, describe and analyze the historical and technological trajectories and market behavior of the electric vehicle. It was observed a technological competition by dominant propulsion system, that had occurred among: 1) the steam engine; 2) electromechanical energy converters (electric motors); and 3) internal combustion engines, the last being characterized as the most used. Throughout the following 50 years from the engine closure based on the internal combustion in 1920, electric vehicles practically disappeared. The electric vehicle project was only resumed after the 1970s, due to the environmental agenda, the air pollution and its impacts on public health and the increase of fossil fuels prices. However, in the 21st century, the segment of electric vehicles has ascended in both technological and market fields. Therefore, it is possible to identify the three most promising settings about electric vehicle technology: battery electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle and fuel cells vehicle. The three configurations have obstacles and challenges, which are being systematically tackled by companies that are dispensing efforts for the segment, based on the evolution of patents published concerning the electric vehicles and their technologies. Thus, it is possible to verify the evolution of the electric vehicles selling in the United States, Japan and a few European countries. The world market success is related to hybrids models, selling seven times more than the battery electric vehicle. In the current Brazilian context, the country has the government agencies, companies and public research intuitions and had the conditions (mature automobile market and know-how) for the formation of an automobile complex of electric vehicles, with off actions. Although such initiatives may favor the creation of specific competencies for electric vehicle, they show little effective to create conditions for the Brazil occupy a prominent position in this market. It should be projected a list clear policies to support the development of local technologies for the electric vehicle, or few advances will be achieved in this technological field / Mestrado / Politica Cientifica e Tecnologica / Mestre em Política Científica e Tecnológica

In the operations management research, the inconsistent use of the same term for different concepts and the use of the similar concepts for different constructs potentially causes theoretical and statistical problems. This research addresses the importance of construct definitions and specification methodologically within the context of quality and sustainability management. It involves three essays using multiple quantitative methods such as partial least squares structural equation modeling and multiple regression in different consumer decision-making models in the automobile industry. In the first two essays, a comprehensive literature review results in definition and contextualization of the quality and sustainability constructs as applied to operations management and marketing research. The relationships of these constructs with consumer behavior are empirically tested. Building upon the first two essays, the third essay addresses the methodological issues on formative and reflective measurements by summarizing a procedure of validating formative measurements. The quality construct was used to illustrate the methodology. This research contributes to the literature, theory, and practices in the area of quality and sustainability management.

Note:

This thesis examines the applicability of the theoretical framework of strategic trade to the export-led growth of the automobile industry in South Korea. The study focuses on four areas. First, the "new" theory of international trade is elaborated in order to identify the “prerequisite” industrial characteristics under which policies of strategic trade are theoretically advantageous. Secondly, the development of the automobile industry in South Korea is analyzed. The focus is on examining the role of the state in initiating industrial and trade policies that specifically targeted the automobile sector. This thesis argues that strategic trade is a valid analytical framework in the case of the South Korean automobile industry. Thirdly, the development of the automobile industry in South Korea is compared with that of Mexico. The comparative perspective helps highlight several factors that may have helped make policies of strategic trade effective in the South Korean case. These factors include a virtual absence of transnational corporations and domestic industrial conglomeration in the South Korean automobile industry. Finally, based on the possible critical importance of these factors for policy implementation and outcomes, the thesis ends with a discussion on the relevance of strategic trade as a model for economic development. / Master of Arts

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University 2005. / Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research report takes an in-depth look at the automotive industry and their major participants in the upstream value chain. The different parties involved are the automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers. The overall goal of the following report is to identify suitable business models for small to medium sized (SME) automotive suppliers. As the automotive value chain currently undergoes an evolutionary change towards a diminishing vertical integration of the OEMs, it becomes a challenging issue to reconfigure the responsibilities of the suppliers. Thereby OEMs and their suppliers have to cope with a shift from a functional to a process orientated value chain. During this reorganization of the OEM-supplier interface, enterprises realign their strategic intent towards their core competencies as well. Besides the shifting value chain, both suppliers and OEMs have to cope with a consolidation in their industries. This consolidation is impacted by stagnating traditional markets, an ongoing globalization of the value chain, and an increasing productivity pressure in the automotive industry. Looking at the automotive supplier, it becomes obvious that the suppliers are on the one hand challenged by productivity pressures and on the other hand have the opportunity to take over more business of the automotive value chain. The growth potential requires changes in the area of supply chain management and new types of collaboration in the supply network. This prospective development is mainly influenced by a trend towards the outsourcing of entire processes by the OEMs and the increasing need for future innovations in the automotive industry. After discussing the above mentioned issues, the report analyses the role of suppliers with respect to their main customers, the automotive OEMs. Based on the findings business models for suppliers are assessed and key success factors for small to medium sized suppliers are proposed and evaluated. The findings of the evaluation are translated into suggestions for most suitable business models of SMEs. The report concludes with recommendations for the strategy building process indicates problems concerning the shifting value chain, and points out the importance of further research in the field of the small to medium sized automotive supplier industry. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studieverslag ondersoek die motorvoertuig industrie met verwysing na die hoof deelnemers 'n die opwaartse waarde-ketting. Die partye betrokke is die motorvoertuigvervaardigers (OEMs) asook hul verskaffers. Die oorhoofse doel van die verslag is om gepaste sakeplanne vir klein en medium grootte (SME) ondernemings te identifiseer. Die motorvoertuig industrie se waardeketting ervaar tans 'n drastiese veranderingsproses - gekenmerk deur afnemende vertikale integrasie vanaf die OEMs - wat voortdurende nuwe uitdagings veroorsaak vir die innoverende verskaffer. Beide die OEMs en hul verskaffers moet dus aanpas met hierdie verandering - van funksioneel na proses-georienteerd - in die waarde-ketting. Tydens hierdie herstrukturering van OEM-verskaffer interaksie, moet deelnemers verseker dat die strategiese bedoeling in fyn ooreenstemming is met hul basiese bevoegdhede. Behalwe die verskuiwing in die waardeketting, moet OEMs asook verskaffers aanpas met samesmelting in hulle industrieë. Hierdie proses van samesmelting word beinvloed deur kwynende konvensionele markte, voortgesette globalisasie van die waardeketting, asook toenemende druk om produktief te wees in die motorvoertuig-industrie. 'n Ondersoek in motorvoertuig industrie verskaffers toon dat daar enersyds geweldige uitdagings ervaar word soverre dit produktiwiteitverbetering betref, maar andersyds daar ook geleendhede gebied word vir die verskaffer om verder te integreer deur oornames in die waarde-ketting. Om groei potensiaal te verwesenlik noodsaak dit veranderinge in die veld van verskaffingskettingbestuur, asook nuwe metodes van samewerking in die verskaffingsnetwerk. Hierdie moontlike tendens van integrasie word hoofsaaklik beinvloed deur 'n geneigdheid van OEMs om volledige prosesse te sub-kontrakteur asook deur die toenemende aanvraag vir voortdurende innovering in die motorvoertuig industrie. Laastens ondersoek die verslag die rol van die verskaffer vanuit die oogpunt van hul hoof kliënte, die OEMs. Na aanleiding van die verslag se bevindings word verskaffers se sakeplanne en modelle beoordeel en evalueer en word sleutel suksesfaktore vir die SME verskaffer voorgestel. Die uitslae van die evaluasie word verder verwerk tot in voorstelle wat gepas is vir die sakeplanne van meeste SMEs. Die verslag kom tot voltrekking met aanbevelings in die strategie bouproses rakende die veranderende waardeketting, en dui ook op die noodsaaklikheid van verdere navorsing onder die SME motorvoertuig industrie verskaffers.