The quality control of geometrical coherences and relations in modern automobile production is done by different stationary and flexible measurement systems and strategies. Furthermore, there currently exists possibilities of inline measurements and offline measurements. This project presents the basic research concerning the possibility of a flexible wireless measurement system in modern automobile production, that is able to combine the advantages of both strategies. An investigation of existing measurement techniques was done in order to find a sensor technology, which enables the wireless measurement process. The research project introduces the current location systems and positioning systems. These techniques are compared by a value benefit analysis to expose a suited technology as basis for the measurement system. As result of the value benefit anlysis, the ultrasonic technique was selected for further investigations. The ultrasonic test setup is used to analyze the accuracy of modern sensors and to verify the possibility of a project related integration. The tests are done in different conditions, in order to compare the laboratory application and the industrial application. During the test measurements different physical influencing variables and disturbances occurred. From this research project, it can be concluded that the laboratory application of the system is possible. However, the industrial application is subject to restrictions.

M.Com. (Business Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

The Chinese automotive industry has evolved substantially over the last 55 years, in spite of multiple historical and economic hurdles. The change in the governmental policy during 1980s regarding ownership of private automobiles, from prohibition to encouragement, initiated rapid growth in the Chinese automobile industry. In the last two decades, China progressed from being nearly a truck-only producer to becoming a major producer of passenger and commercial cars. Economists consider the time between 2001 and 2007 to be a period of ‘blowout’ in the Chinese automobile industry. To date, little is known regarding this emerging automobile industry: What are the features of Chinese automobile industry? Has the Chinese automobile industry become a global player in its industry and reached economy of scale? How is the indigenous automobile sector different from international joint ventures in China? Have Chinese companies gained full transfer of technology and come to possess the capacity to develop their own designs? The subject is complicated, with many contradictory facts and interpretations. This thesis intends to address these questions by focusing on the Chinese indigenous automobile sector, through its three stages of development, using it as a model to examine the validity of various interpretations. I hope the historical appraisal of the industry’s initial development, its difficulty in transition and the internal-external factors affecting the later growth will help us understand the industrial and technological development of China’s emerging economy.

No description available.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 123-129).

M.Comm. / The objectives of this research can be summarised as follows: To integrate the customer research technique of attribute analysis with the volume planning process. To determine whether attribute analysis, is a useful and reliable tool for determining purchase behavior in the small sedan segment of the motor industry. To determine a customers perception of total product value through attribute analysis. To analyse the influence of price in the purchase decision. To determine whether a market share theorem that weights the perceived value of a vehicle, relative to its competitors perceived value is a reliable predictor of market penetration. To identify the determinant attributes in the decision making process of purchasing a small sedan vehicle. The research component of this dissertation is limited to the small sedan passenger segment of South African car market. While it is recognised that the small sedan segment is only one sub-sector of the vehicle market, it is felt that the study will provide a fair reflection of how the approach could be utilised in other sectors.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain (LBP) in an automotive production company, evaluating the relationship between selected risk factors, type of occupational activity and the prevalence of LBP. Methods : This was a descriptive study at a large automotive production company entailing 200 physical production employees and 200 sedentary employees. Using a cross sectional study design, a retrospective analysis investigated the LBP prevalence, by means of a questionnaire. Individuals reported on demographics, injury location, injury aetiology, injury nature, extent of treatment rendered and time lost from work. Additionally, data was obtained regarding smoking, occupational stress and fitness.Results: A significant difference was found between sedentary and manual employees with regards to age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and medical aid. Similarly a significant difference between the groups was found for the point prevalence of LBP, current LBP description (sharp, shooting, dull aching, stabbing and catching pain descriptions), past LBP description (catching pain description), sidedness/ location of pain as well as associated features of the current LBP (viz. pins and needles, pain to the knees, numbness, bed rest, absence from work, pain at work and pain on weekends) and associated features of past LBP (viz. pins and needles, pain to the knees, numbness, bed rest, absence from work, pain at work and pain on weekends). There were no noted psychosocial factor that impacted on a difference between the groups, but there was a significant difference between the manual and sedentary employees with regards to absenteeism. Conclusion: A significant rate of LBP was reported amongst both the sedentary (59.6%) and the manual (89%) employees, implying that the costs to the company are relatively high. It is, therefore, suggested that the company looks at a variety of strategies to reduce the burden of LBP in their employees. / National Research Fund

M.Com. / The objective of this study was to compose an effective exchange rate index for the motor- and related industries in Soutb Africa to be used for the forecasting of new motorcar prices. The situation in South Africa, where a lot of components used in the production of motorcars are imported, exposes the industry to exchange rate risk. The government introduced measures like Phase VI of the local content program and a 100 percent Ad Valorem import duty on new motorcars to protect local manufacturers. Although these measures limits exchange rate exposure, the motor industry is still affected by exchange rate changes. An effective exchange rate index was compiled by allocating weights to a currency index according to it's contnbution to imports by the local motor industry. The private consumer of motorcars can use the index to determine when he must purchase a new vehicle to avoid price increases. Corporate consumers of motor vehicles can use the index to help with the management of their vehicle fleet. The index can also be used by motorcar manufacturers and importers of components to manage their exchange rate risk. Individual motorcar manufacturers can test the effectiveness of their strategies to manage exchange rate risk by comparing it to the index as the effective exchange rate index was compiled for the industry as a whole. The exposure of a manufacturer with an effective strategy will be less than that of the index. A manufacturer will have to look at alternative strategies to managing exchange rate risk if his exposure to exchange rate risk is greater than that of the index. Regression analysis was used with the exchange rate index as the independent variable to forecast prices of new motorcars. A high degree of correlation was found when the forecasted prices were compared with the actual prices of new motorcars. The conclusion was reached that the effective exchange rate index could be of great value to the private- and corporate consumer of new motor vehicles as well as manufacturers of motorcars and importers of components.

Summary in Chinese. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: leaves 96-97.

Thesis. 1977. Ph.D.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Political Science. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND DEWEY. / Vita. / Bibliography : leaves 630-638. / Ph.D.