Dissertations / Theses: 'Automotive and aerospace industries'

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Anderson, Mary Ann. "Analysis of flexible assembly implementation in the automotive and aerospace industries." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/10285.

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HEDLUND, CHARLOTTE, and AXEL INGO. "The agile transformation in traditional organisations in regulated environments : A case study in the automotive and aerospace industries." Thesis, KTH, Industriell Management, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-237265.

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The business environment of the 21st century is rapidly changing. Customers demand are diversifying, governments enforce stricter environmental regulations and start-ups are entering with disruptive business models. Traditional industrial organisations need to adapt to compete on a market revolving around time-to-market actions. One solution for this is to do an agile transformation. This thesis investigates the agile transformation process of traditional organisations through a case study. The objective is to identify find the main success drivers and key challenges in stated transformation. The research was designed to do a qualitative, interview based case study in the automotive and aerospace industries involving four companies from an interpretivistic paradigm. In addition, two companies from insurance and banking and four agile coaches were also part of the case study to establish generalisability. The theoretical and empirical findings succeed to find three main success drivers: management support, identifying the “Why?” and “How?”, and three key challenges: structural legacies, cultural legacies and configuration of transformation process. Additionally, it was found that current transformations in the selected industries are diverging from change management theories, which emphasises a greater focus on changing mindset, behaviour and culture. Finally, the study contributes with actions as to help companies pursuing agile transformation as well identifying a continuous need for research of agile methods in non-software environments.
Marknaden har under 2000-talet ändrats snabbt. Kunders krav på produkter ökar, statliga miljöregleringar träder i kraft och start-ups går in med disruptiva affärsmodeller. I detta läge behöver traditionella industribolag anpassa för att kunna konkurrera på den nya marknaden som kräver en kortare tid till marknaden. En lösning på detta problem är en agil transformation. Den här uppsatsen undersöker de agila transformationsprocesserna genom en fallstudie. Målsättningen är att identifiera de huvudsakliga framgångsfaktorer samt utmaningar som återfinns i nämnda transformationer. Forskningen designades genom en kvalitativ intervjufallstudie hos fyra företag inom vägfordons- och flygplansindustrin från ett interpretivistiskt forskningsparadigm. Vidare deltog två företag från försäkring och bank samt fyra agila coacher för att kunna etablera generaliserbarhet. De teoretiska och empiriska ramverken lyckades hitta tre stycken framgångsfaktorer: ledarstöd, identifierandet and “Varför?” samt ”Hur?”, samt tre primära utmaningar: strukturella och kulturella arv samt konfigurationen av transformationsprocessen. Vidare fann studien att de nuvarande transformationerna som finns i valda branscher divergerar från förändringsledningsteorierna, som i sin tur betonar ett större fokus på förändring av mindset, beteende och kultur. Slutligen bidrar denna studie med föreslagna åtgärder som hjälper företag som genomgår en transformation och identifierar ett fortsatt behov av att forska kring användandet av agila metoder in icke-mjukvaruområden.

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Churi, Nikhil. "Rotary ultrasonic machining of hard-to-machine materials." Diss., Manhattan, Kan. : Kansas State University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/2509.

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Hermans, Filip J. J. "Robust change detection in automotive & aerospace systems." Thesis, University of Manchester, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.580328.

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This thesis is a study of the use of fault detection in automotive and aerospace applications. It investigates three applications in particular. They are engine misfire detection, suspension monitoring and gas turbine sensor monitoring. The main aim is to produce robust monitoring algorithms for these systems and extract typical features which will facilitate the generation of monitoring solutions for similar but not directly related applications. To treat these problems, the thesis is divided into four main parts. They are as follows: Engine Misfire Detection: This part states the problem of monitoring the input of a continuous system, using measurable outputs, knowing that the input signal has a certain periodicity. The aim is to detect anomalies in the periodicity of the input. For the misfire application, the output is the engine crankshaft speed, the period the engine cycle and the anomaly in the periodic component the misfire. The anomalies are detected using signal processing methods based on recursive-vector least squares with discontinuous forgetting and generalised likelihood ratio. This detection algorithm augmented by a small look-up table is tested on real data representing a variety of driving conditions. Suspension Monitoring: The problem can be considered as that of monitoring the physical parameters of a continuous system. The monitoring is done based on a set of fixed models and some statistical evaluation. The models are formulated in discrete time using the h -operator. This leads to the generation of Kalman filter and Descriptor Kalman filter algorithms using the h-operator. For robustness and diagnostic reasons, a new criteria is proposed involving a sensitivity matrix. This allows simultaneous detection of several parameter changes independently. For the statistical evaluation, a new noise invariant cusum is introduced. The algorithm is finally tested on the tyre pressure and damper monitoring problem using simulations and real test rig and car data. Gas Turbine Sensor Monitoring: The aim is to monitor the sensors of non-linear time variant systems using a set of linear models i.e. robust monitoring. To incorporate robustness, the sliding mode observer is introduced and its fault detection capabilities investigated. This is done first using a simple but illustrative example and then using the real gas turbine data. Both illustrations show the advantages of the sliding mode observer. Sliding Mode Estimator: This part introduces the use of sliding mode principles for parameter estimation. This results in a sliding mode estimator. The tracking and decoupling capabilities of the sliding mode estimator are further compared with RLS. This is done using a simple example where the parameters are varying dependently, independently and/or abruptly. To substantiate the potential of the new estimator, the suspension monitoring problem is revisited with successful results.

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Nawaz, Sabahat. "Braided cords in flexible composites for aerospace and automotive applications." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2014. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/braided-cords-in-flexible-composites-for-aerospace-and-automotive-applications(94c6d617-d797-46a0-bac2-65d821b0e110).html.

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A morphing aircraft can be defined as an aircraft that changes configuration to maximize its performance at radically different flight conditions. Morphing structures require a large aspect ratio and area change during flight in order to optimise operational performance. Morphing wings are being developed to mimic bird’s wing movements. Birds have different wing profiles at different points in their flight, where swept wings reduce the drag at higher speeds at flight lift-off and long straight wing profile is better for performance at low loitering speed. Hyper-extensible braided cords have been developed to be used within morphing ‘skin’ materials. The cords use a low-modulus elastomeric core braided around with high-modulus yarns. These cords can be produced with various braid angles, which influence the extensibility of the cords. The higher the braid angle, the greater the extension The braid angle is controlled by the precision pre-tension of the elastomeric component. A computational model for predicting the load-strain behaviour of these hyper-extensible cords has been developed. Opposite to hyper-extensible cords are inextensible cord reinforcement composites, such as toothed timing belts used in car engines, which utilise a combination of reinforcement techniques to guarantee a high quality high strength product. Braiding is an alternate technology for producing cords with potentially superior performance in terms of improved ability to resist unravelling as well as superior interface due to ‘Chinese finger-trap effect.’ Carbon core with varying glass fibre braid have been developed. This led to various braid patterns being formed. A system for mapping braid pattern/topology has been developed. Aswel as the braid pattern, the braid colour patterns can also be produced. This mathematical model involves basic matrix manipulations, which have been proved using the MatLab program. The predicted braid patterns have been compared with actual samples. Being able to model braid patterns is a time and cost effective compared to previous trial and error methods.

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Söderblom, Robin, and Staffan Jonsson. "Feasibility study for implementation of automotive measuring method in aerospace industry." Thesis, Högskolan Väst, Avdelningen för maskinteknik och naturvetenskap, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hv:diva-8307.

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This thesis comprises an investigation in order to find possibilities to implement the method used in the automotive industry to automatically generate a collision free measurement program within the aircraft components manufacturer. The purpose with the study was to compare and analyse the different methods used to generate measurement programs at GKN Aerospace Engine Systems in Trollhättan, National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) and Volvo Cars Corporations (VCC).The study was conducted through meetings, observations and questionnaires with staff from the geometry assurance engineering (GAE) departments and measurement departments in each company. By mapping the virtual GAE process started from concept development in CAD to the measurement phase in which components are measured in coordinated measuring machines (CMM), a chain of activities was analysed.NEVS and VCC are today using RD&T and IPS to generate optimized CMM programs in which a time efficient measurement path can be generated. This method was compared with the current approach at GKN Aerospace where they use one supplier for offline CMM programming (OLP) software solutions and CMMs. They are thereby working in a closed system where the OLP communicates with the CMM by supplier specific methods. The automobile manufacturer NEVS and VCC, in contrast, uses a DMIS protocol which is an ISO and ANSI standard.The study shows that an implementation of the software used by the Swedish automobile manufacture NEVS and VCC at GKN Aerospace in Trollhättan, may not have any significant improvements regarding time savings and thereby no economic benefits. However, the approach for generating an optimized measurement program in RD&T and IPS may have major improvements in other facilities within the aerospace industry which has also resulted in an instruction manual to be used for potential implementation.

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Veludo, Maria de Lurdes Martins. "Business relationships in the automotive and component industries in Portugal." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2005. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/1544/.

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Partnering has been the most commonly used term to describe collaboration between a buyer and its direct supplier. The automotive industry has been the basis for the development of most studies on the subject. Despite the many studies on partnering, some people share the view that largely missing from the literature is a clear definition of this concept and of how it operates within dyadic (i.e. between a buyer and its direct suppliers), network and firm contexts. This is found to be particularly important if automotive companies geographically spread in the globe are to be properly managed. The purpose of the research presented in this thesis was to explore inter-firm collaboration and partnering between a subsidiary of a motor vehicle manufacturer and its direct suppliers, taking into account the ownership ties of firms, such as those of multinational corporations (MNCs). The objective was to generate new knowledge on how inter-firm collaboration and partnering operate and on the factors that influence the business relationships that are established between the referred companies. The researcher followed a single case study research strategy in order to develop a new and empirically grounded understanding, while favouring contextualisation and complexity. The researcher adopted a triangulated research design in which quantitative and qualitative data were gathered in two stages, through a self-administered mailed questionnaire and in-depth interviews, respectively. The findings suggest that: (a) relationships can be characterised by several dimensions, (i.e. commitment, trust, win-win, long-term orientation, co-ordination, joint problem solving, flexibility, mutual dependence) each of which is a mix of collaborative and non-collaborative elements; (b) a diversified scenario of relationships can be explained by the different combinations of several contextual factors (i.e. organisational, relational, spatial and network); the importance of each needs to be weighted and hierarchised; (c) the network affects both to enable and constrain the freedom of action at the level of the customer supplier dyad; and (d) partnering is contingent on the position, role and influence at different points in the network. The research argues that relationship management can be enhanced through the application of analytical tools to the assessment of business relationships. New frameworks for analysis are presented as significant contributions to knowledge, among a series of theoretical, methodological and empirical contributions. The researcher suggests directions for research which will further enhance the understanding of inter-firm collaboration and partnering and business relationships within a multinational network context.

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Beckett, Ronald Charles. "Learning organisations in high technology industries /." View thesis View thesis, 2001. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030506.165637/index.html.

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Thesis (D.B.A.) -- University of Western Sydney, Nepean, 2001.
A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Business Adminiistration, University of Western Sydney, Nepean, 2001. Includes bibliographical references.

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Arsenault, Reginald W. "Creation of a CRM selection methodology for the aerospace & defense industry." [Denver, Colo.] : Regis University, 2006. http://165.236.235.140/lib/rarsenault2006.pdf.

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Iakovaki, Antigoni. "Service supply chain integration in multi-organisation networks : findings from the defence aerospace sector." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.610686.

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Beckett, Ronald C., University of Western Sydney, College of Law and Business, and School of Management. "Learning organisations in high technology industries." THESIS_CB_MAN_Beckett_R.xml, 2001. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/299.

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This study describes an action research program, primarily within one company pursuing learning organisation concepts. The research was an integral part of the implication process, not involving case studies carried out after the event, or analysis prior to it, but an iterative mixture of both.Both the literature and case studies of various aspects of the operations of an Australian Aerospace company are used to help identify some particular practices that support organisational learning. A range of issues arising from the research are also discussed. A multi-faceted systems model of corporate memory is developed, and possible ways of obtaining leverage from that memory are discussed.The research identifies a number of competencies, processes and practices that need to be in place for organisational learning and knowledge management to be effective. It is suggested that a particular organisation may take many years to establish this portfolio of capabilities to the extent that they become the operating room.
Doctor of Business Administration

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Takeishi, Akira 1958. "A study of supplier relationships in the American and Japanese automotive industries." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/14156.

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El-Nounu, AbdulRahman. "Redesign methodology for cost effective assembly of aerospace structures." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2018. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/51634/.

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The research addresses the topic of design for assembly from an aerospace structures perspective. Aerospace assembly has traditionally taken secondary important to aircraft performance. This approach has been validated through healthy sales, most recently demonstrated in the Single Aisle market. However, in recent times, design for assembly has become more important. There are two main drivers behind this shift in focus. The first is a desire from aircraft manufacturers to maximise profits on existing aircraft orders through redesign. The second is the future outlook of aircraft sales, estimated to be in the trillions of dollars 2035. Aircraft manufacturers have therefore recognised that optimising their manufacturing system is critical lest market share is lost to emerging aircraft manufacturers through an inability to meet rising demand. Three methods are then developed to provide design for assembly indicators for development decisions. The underpinning methodology behind these methods is a data driven approach. This is that cost saving decisions can be made using the mass of existing available data from production systems at early stages provided that key indicators are identified. The methods allow engineers to make informed decisions on design for assembly and technology development. The first method addresses the issue of redesign. A tool is presented that relies on available data of assembly processes to make recommendations on redesign projects. The method is populated with real data and its output is compared against real business decisions. The results show that the method provides positive direction and is beneficial when filtering between costly redesign projects. The second method addresses design for assembly at early product development. A complexity metric is developed using a combination of historical data and known data at a particular development stage to produce a complexity metric that carries out an analysis of a full assembly system. It provides the engineer with a macro view enabling the identification of potential bottlenecks. Data from a previous product was used to demonstrate this method. The results shown were able to highlight real issues and make recommendations about technology strategy. The final method developed in this research recognised that design for assembly and assembly technology were synergetic and should be developed together. It proposed an assembly process characterisation technique to enable future technology strategy planning at design for assembly stage. The tool was demonstrated using existing data and proposed several concepts for a future product to enable higher levels of automation and more cost effective future technology implementation. The research concluded that there was a definite advantage in using the demonstrated methods in providing direction to an aircraft manufacturing business. In the redesign method and the complexity analysis method this was validated through comparison against real business decisions. The two methods were in line with business thinking. Also, where the redesign method was different in its advice compared with business direction, it was shown that following the advice of the method would have been beneficial to the business. It was more difficult to validate the shared platform approach method due to its results providing indicators for future decisions. Early analysis into its potential validity through technology benchmarking looked promising.

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Donovan, Mark H. "The French Aerospace and Defense Industries: changing dynamics of procurement and consolidation." Thesis, Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/8427.

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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
France's traditions of national sovereignty and its global status as a "great power" help to explain its investments in an independent and autonomous armaments industry. The resulting capabilities, ranging from fighter aircraft to nuclear weapons, have helped to ensure the position of France as a leading nation during the latter half of the twentieth century. Overcoming the inherent problems associated with state control and oversight of the means of production, France has developed a robust manufacturing capability and has produced, among other systems, technologically advanced designs in combat aircraft (the Rafale fighter), space rocket launchers (the Ariane 5 launcher), and remote sensing satellites (the Helios military satellite). However, the need to continue incorporating modem, expensive technology into French systems in the face of budgetary cutbacks has brought the future viability of autonomous and French-led programs into question. As a result, France and other major European nations have tried to find a common solution to consolidate each country's aerospace and defense firms into one corporate entity that could compete effectively against the United States. However, problems rooted in maintaining national capabilities, especially in France, have kept this design from becoming a reality

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Linghu, Hao. "An investigation on the limited innovation performance in automotive IJVs in China." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2018. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/113458/.

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China has been experiencing constraints to the sustainable development of its domestic economy in recent years due to a reliance on a low value-added oriented economy. The enhancement of innovation among local firms is, therefore, being encouraged by the Chinese government. The Chinese government regards the automotive industry as one of its strategic industries yet the local automotive firms in China still remain relatively under-developed due to a limited independent innovation capacity. Therefore, the enhancement of an indigenous innovation capacity in the automotive industry is badly needed. Favourable policies have been applied in the automotive sector in order to support the technological development of local automotive firms which includes the constraints on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the automotive sector. Automotive multinational corporations (MNCs) are strictly required to establish international joint ventures (IJVs) with local automotive firms and can own no more than a 50% share in an IJV. The logic behind this is to protect the local automotive firms and allow them access to the technological resources of the MNCs and the opportunity for organisational learning. This logic is supported by current literature as IJVs are, arguably, able to deliver innovation outputs through direct access to the resources of the parent companies and the interpartner learning effects. Despite this, real-life examples suggest a limited innovation performance in the automotive IJVs in China. The innovation achievements are largely limited to minor changes to established products and some new products based on existing technologies. Whilst there is little technological innovation apparent in the automotive IJVs in China, there is evidence of this emerging from local automotive firms without the assistance of an IJV partnership. This PhD thesis explores the underlying reasons for the gap between current academic theory and the reality in the automotive industry. Qualitative case studies of three Chinese automotive IJVs and one independent local automotive firm with a reputation for innovation were conducted to investigate the factors that limit innovation activities in automotive IJVs. The findings of this research suggest that the IJV partnership itself is a constraining factor in the context of the Chinese automotive industry. This is because the nature of automotive IJVs in China lead to a lack of strategic focus on innovation and the IJVs follow a closed innovation paradigm as they only benefit from the limited resources of their parent companies, with little or no access to other external resources. Furthermore, the mismatch of the technological capabilities causes ineffectiveness in the utilisation process of the transferred resources. This research contributes to knowledge by explaining the gap between current theories on IJV and the reality within the industry. Furthermore, a revised model of knowledge management is proposed in the context of IJVs. In light of the main research findings, recommendations are made regarding the policy and practice of using IJV partnerships for the enhancement of innovation capacity among Chinese firms.

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Ngamsirijit, Wuttigrai. "Manufacturing flexibility improvement : case studies and survey of Thai automotive industry." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2008. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/10552/.

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To deal with dynamic and uncertain business environments, agile manufacturing is of interest to academics and practitioners. However, in order to achieve agile manufacturing, one of its dimensions is of major importance - manufacturing flexibility. It is not possible to achieve agile manufacturing with ineffective management of manufacturing flexibility. Most firms acknowledge how flexibility can be improved but few can successfully implement it to its full potential. In addition, manufacturing firms today tend to improve and implement manufacturing flexibility at a strategic level. This means higher perception of benefits and better awareness of risks. This research studied the current awareness and practices of manufacturing flexibility improvement in a manufacturing setting, particularly the Thai automotive industry. Through case studies, they can extract more information about the experiences of companies in the planning, implementation and operations of manufacturing flexibility. Thus, the following contributions were made: First, this research will provide comprehensive overviews and insights on various manufacturing flexibility improvements on aspects of pragmatic management perspectives. Second, this research explored the issues or factors taken into account when manufacturing firms, especially Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), improve their flexibility. Third, the research also explored and validated the major problems in achieving manufacturing flexibility and operating issues critical to manufacturing flexibility performance within manufacturing and supply chain aspects, especially suppliers. The underlying concepts to enhance manufacturing flexibility as well as barriers and enhancers of manufacturing flexibility within individuals and between OEMs and suppliers can be then obtained. In consequence, a framework of manufacturing flexibility improvement incorporating key elements from case studies and surveys was derived. Finally, the decision-making framework including managerial guidance and strategic evaluation methodology for better evaluating flexibility improvement strategies and achieving manufacturing flexibility were developed and tested. This is sought to create a formal and rational process that guides manufacturers through the strategic evaluation process in relation to manufacturing flexibility improvement. These can be the basis for follow up research in a specific area within flexibility improvement and enhance the development/deployment of flexibility in automotive and other manufacturing enterprises. Overall, an operations strategy can be well established and the highest level of manufacturing flexibility can be achieved. Hence, the firm can maintain or increase its competitive advantages and profitability under uncertain circumstances of manufacturing and supply chain.

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Wenham, Paul Robert. "Slipping from the stratosphere: British aerospace in the superpower era." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2013. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B49799605.

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In the aftermath of the Second World War the possession of aerospace technology—missiles, rockets and civil and military aircraft—was one of the hallmarks of a powerful nation, as well as an important diplomatic tool. Britain had a tremendous amount of expertise in these fields. The rise of the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, had transformed the international political and strategic situation. How would Britain use her technology to safeguard her interests in these changed circumstances? How and why did she fall behind? This thesis sets out to investigate these questions and determine the role aerospace played in influencing Britain’s relations with allies and neighbours in a new age. It looks at how she faced up to the dilemma of deciding whether to forge ever closer links with her transatlantic ally or overturn centuries of history by entering Europe. The study examines major British aerospace projects, their relative success or failure and their political legacy. It also looks at some of the personalities involved in the story, to illustrate attitudes to technology in Whitehall, the boardroom and the drawing office. Ultimately, it seeks to explain how the decisions that were made in the post-war decades shaped the country’s eventual destiny.
published_or_final_version
History
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy

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Grice, Steven J. "Optical fibre sensors and their applications in the industrial weighing and aerospace industries." Thesis, Aston University, 2010. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/15208/.

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This thesis presents the design, fabrication and testing of novel grating based Optical Fibre Sensor (OFS) systems being interrogated using “off the shelf” interrogation systems, with the eventual development of marketable commercial systems at the forefront of the research. Both in the industrial weighing and aerospace industries, there has been a drive to investigate the feasibility of using optical fibre sensors being deployed where traditionally their electrical or mechanical counterparts would traditionally have been. Already, in the industrial weighing industry, commercial operators are deploying OFS-based Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems. Likewise, in the aerospace industry, OFS have been deployed to monitor such parameters as load history, impact detection, structural damage, overload detection, centre of gravity and the determination of blade shape. Based on the intrinsic properties of fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) and Long Period Fibre Gratings (LPFGs), a number of novel OFS-based systems have been realised. Experimental work has shown that in the case of static industrial weighing, FBGs can be integrated with current commercial products and used to detect applied loads. The work has also shown that embedding FBGs in e-glass, to form a sensing patch, can result in said patches being bonded to rail track, forming the basis of an FBG-based WIM system. The results obtained have been sufficiently encouraging to the industrial partner that this work will be progressed beyond the scope of the work presented in this thesis. Likewise, and to the best of the author’s knowledge, a novel Bragg grating based systems for aircraft fuel parameter sensing has been presented. FBG-based pressure sensors have been shown to demonstrate good sensitivity, linearity and repeatability, whilst LPFG-based systems have demonstrated a far greater sensitivity when compared to FBGs, as well the advantage of being potentially able to detect causes of fuel adulteration based on their sensitivity to refractive index (RI). In the case of the LPFG-based system, considerable work remains to be done on the mechanical strengthening to improve its survivability in a live aircraft fuel tank environment. The FBG system has already been developed to an aerospace compliant prototype and is due to be tested at the fuel testing facility based at Airbus, Filton, UK. It is envisaged by the author that in both application areas, continued research in this area will lead to the eventual development of marketable commercial products.

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Burgess, Rachel. "The business process engineering of an aerospace aftermarket supply chain : executive summary." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1999. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/34683/.

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The following report provides an overview of the Engineering Doctorate portfolio entitled The Business Process Engineering of an Aerospace Aftermarket Supply Chain.' It is intended to set the context of the portfolio in the engineering business environment and identify the innovative achievements of the work. Three main themes underline the portfolio and are outlined here; the use of Supply Chain Management (SCM) in the aerospace industry, the barriers to SCM implementation, and the links between SCM and Business Process (Re)Engineering. These themes are used to explore the findings and conclusions of the portfolio. The text includes references back to the previous submissions in order to identify the relevant sections of the portfolio that support the Executive Summary. The report also includes the suggested reading order for the various submissions and details the contribution that the work has made, both academically and within the case study organisation.

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Qamar, Amir. "Lean versus Agile manufacturing : an empirical investigation into the Midlands (UK) automotive industry." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2018. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/8407/.

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Lean and Agile manufacturing concepts have received substantial development within the literature, however there remains a scarcity in studies investigating the concepts simultaneously and a growing sense of confusion between the two paradigms. This thesis sought to provide clarity by distinguishing lean and agile firms based on the key tools, practices, routines and concepts they employed, test whether contextual factors influence the choice of paradigm, and rigorously measure each approach on a range of performance indicators. Findings upheld Skinner’s (1969) assertions, i.e. the ‘trade-off law’, as lean firms were superior in costs and quality levels, while agile firms were superior in terms of flexibility and speed. Results contended ‘leagile’ supply chain (SC) literature, as lean and agile firms were found to be predominantly operating downstream and upstream within automotive SCs respectively. Therefore, this thesis proposes the LAASC (Lean Agile Automotive Supply Chain) Model which suggests that when operating within a complex SC, firms competing on costs and quality (lean) are more likely to be found downstream in the SC, whereas firms competing on speed and flexibility are more likely to be found upstream in the SC.

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Ofosu, Osei. "A study of the feasibility of advanced hybrid thermoplastic composites for aerospace and automotive applications." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4957.

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Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-144).
The development of new technologies and the demand for improved performance has resulted in the need for materials with high specific strength and stiffness. Fibre reinforced polymer materials have found increased application in the automotive and aerospace industries by virtue of their excellent specific properties, good corrosion resistance, toughness and fatigue properties. This study aimed at the feasibility of developing an advanced hybrid thermoplastic composite for aerospace and automotive applications. This was done by first researching the types and functions of current thermoplastic composites used in the aerospace and the automotive industries. Thereafter, an advanced thermoplastic resin was selected as matrix to develop the hybrid composites which were then characterised by mechanical and physical testing.

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Wu, Chi-Hao. "Enhancing the production performance of automotive sensor assembly lines through the statistical design of experiments." Diss., Online access via UMI:, 2008.

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Thesis (M.S.)--State University of New York at Binghamton, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references.

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Miah, Abdul. "Product-based environmental metrics for use within aerospace, defence, space and security industries (ADS)." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2018. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/845983/.

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Within the aerospace, defence, space, and security (ADS) industries, there is a growing reporting requirement and interest in understanding and reducing the environmental impacts of products and related risks to business. This dissertation presents the research carried out in collaboration with six ADS companies (ADS Group, Airbus Group, BAE Systems, Bombardier Aerospace, Granta Design, and Rolls-Royce) to establish industry methods for consistently measuring and reporting two pre-selected product-based environmental indicators identified as important to the industry: energy consumption and access to resources. Following an action research approach, four potential methods for calculating and reporting the manufacturing energy footprint of ADS products were identified and industry tested on three case study parts selected by Airbus Group, Bombardier Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce. Methods tested were: (1) Direct measurement, (2) Theoretical calculation, (3) Facility level allocation of energy consumption (based on annual production hours, quantity, and weight of parts manufactured), and (4) Approximation based on generic data. Method 3 (Production Hours) was found to be the most suitable “single” method for immediately reporting the manufacturing energy footprint of parts as it was quick to implement and based on widely available industry data. Regarding the comparability of methods, methods were found to be incomparable and produce significantly different results when applied to calculate the manufacturing energy footprint of the same part. Differences in the comparison of two methods could be in the order of one magnitude based on findings. Such large differences are significant for understanding energy use/costs, environmental impacts (e.g. carbon footprint), and reliably reporting and comparing information for informing decisions. Therefore, methods for calculating the manufacturing energy footprint of products cannot be assumed to be interchangeable and stacked in LCAs, EPDs, and other standards. These findings challenge current LCA practices and the interpretation of product-based environmental declarations if multiple methods have been used and results stacked. Thus, existing standards and growing product-orientated environmental polices allowing for the use of multiple methods (e.g. EPDs and PEFs) may indeed proliferate incomparability rather than engender comparability. Regarding approximating product energy footprints using generic data, the research was only able to approximate the machining energy consumption associated with the case study parts because of data gaps in the generic database. However, a high comparability between generic data use and direct measurement (i.e. specific/primary data) was found. These limited findings challenge attitudes towards generic data use and indicate potential scope to replace expensive primary data collection with more cost-effective (and similarly accurate) generic data. With regards to proposing a method for measuring the access to resources (A2R) product-based environmental indicator, several supply risk indicators and methodological choices for measuring the indicator were identified. Methodological choices included decisions such as to normalise and aggregate supply risk indicators into a single score. A workshop with the industry consortium was consequently carried out to explore and agree: (1) what indicators should be selected to appropriately measure A2R, and (2) how the selected indicators should be measured. Out of 18 potential supply risk indicators, five were identified as key: conflict material risk, environmental country risk, price volatility risk, sourcing and geopolitical risk, and monopoly of supply risk were selected because of clear links to legislation, use of reliable data, and effect on material prices. Regarding methodological choices for measuring A2R, the industry consortium preferred to avoid normalising and aggregating indicators to prevent masking information. The dissertation highlights several major contributions to knowledge, industry, policy, and the development of standards as a result of the research. The main contribution to knowledge is the methods developed and the learnings derived from the process undertaken to determine them. The main contribution and benefit to the ADS industries are single, practical, research informed, and industry consortium agreed methods for cost-effectively measuring two product-based environmental indicators (which support the informational requirements of a wide range of stakeholders and potential end-uses). The examined indicators and the 'case study’ approach utilised with an industry consortium to identify the generic issues in developing suitable methods will be of value for: (1) other industries with similar product/value chain characteristics, and (2) the development of methods for measuring other product-based environmental indicators for industry use (e.g. water, waste, recyclability, etc.). Presented research outcomes provide valuable industry insights for informing the development of emerging product-orientated environmental policies and standards in a manner which benefit the ADS industries and broader environment. Overall, the research has enhanced academic understanding and provides industry capability to support businesses and other similar industries to consistently assess, report, and improve the sustainability of their products and supply chains.

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King, Graham. "Systems modelling and simulation in the product development process for automotive powertrains : executive summary." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2002. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/3706/.

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This submission is a summary of the ten submissions that form the Engineering Doctorate Portfolio. The aim of the portfolio is to demonstrate the benefit of applying systems modelling and simulation in a modified powertrain product development process. A description is given of the competitive pressures that are faced by motor manufacturers in the global automotive business environment. Competitive pressures include a requirement for reduced time to market, exacting product quality standards, manufacturing over-capacity that increases fixed costs and compromises profit margins, and legislation that is increasingly difficult to meet. High-level strategic responses that are being made by manufacturers to these pressures are presented. Each strategic response requires organisational changes and improved approaches to the way in which day-to-day business is conducted. Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) is presented as an approach that can help to improve the competitiveness of motor manufacturers by reducing product development time and the level of hardware prototyping that is required. An investigation in five engineering companies yielded a number of observations about the use of CAE and its integration into product development. Best practice in the implementation of CAE in the product development process is defined. The use of CAE by a leading motor manufacturer in powertrain development is compared with the best practice model, and it is identified that there is a lack of coherence in the application of CAE. It is used to tackle specific problems but the use of CAE is not integrated into the product development process. More importantly, it was found that there is limited application of systems modelling and simulation, which is a critical technique for the effective integration of vehicle systems and the development of on-board vehicle control systems. Before systems modelling and simulation can be applied III powertrain development, an appropriate set of tools and associated modelling architecture must be determined. An appraisal of a range of different tools is undertaken, each tool being appraised against a set of criteria. A combination of DymolaIModelica and MATLAB/Simulink tools is recommended as the optimum solution. DymolaIModelica models of the vehicle plant should be embedded into Simulink models that also contain controller and driver models. MATLAB should be used as the numerical engine and for the creation of user environments. Transmission calibration is selected as a suitable pilot example for applying systems modelling and simulation in powertrain development. Best practice in CAE implementation and the systems modelling and simulation architecture are validated using this example. Simulation models of vehicles equipped with CVT and discrete ratio automatic transmissions are presented. A full description of the operation of the transmission system, of the simulation model itself, and of the validation of the model is presented in each case. The potential benefit of the CVT model in transmission calibration is demonstrated. A Transmission Calibration Simulation Tool (TCST) is described within which the discrete ratio simulation model is encapsulated. The TCST includes a user environment in which the simulation model can be parameterised, a variety of simulation runs can be specified, and simulation results are processed. Development of the TCST requires an objective measure of driveability effects that are influenced by the transmission shift schedule. A method for objective assessment of driveability is developed, correlated, and implemented as an integral part of the TCST. This element of the TCST allows trade-off exercises to be conducted between fuel economy and driveability. The development of a transmission calibration based on experimental testing is compared with a similar exercise based on simulation testing. This study shows that, if the TCST is properly integrated into the transmission calibration process, the vehicle test time taken to optimise the calibration for fuel economy could be reduced by six weeks, and a week of calibrator time could be saved. Thus, the aim of the submission is fulfilled, since the benefit of applying systems modelling and simulation in the powertrain development process has been demonstrated. It is concluded that a consistent approach is required for effectively integrating systems modelling and simulation into the product development process. A model is proposed that clarifies how this can be achieved at a local level. It is proposed that in the future, the model is applied whenever systems modelling and simulation is introduced into a powertrain department.

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Twigg, David. "Design chain management : inter-organisational coordination of product development in the UK automotive industry." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1995. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/36256/.

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This thesis examines the inter-firm management of product development between a vehicle manufacturer and six component suppliers actively participating in the design and development process. It introduces the notion of design chain management, in a similar way to the supply chain concept has been used to describe logistics and purchasing relationships. This concept enables the product development process to be considered at the inter-firm level between supplier and vehicle manufacturer. Specifically, the research investigates: the nature of the inter-firm design process; the changing requirements of the inter-firm relationship; and the mechanisms that promote inter-firm design transactions. There is an extensive literature review, integrating related themes in product development; coordination mechanisms; inter-firm relationships; information processing; and supplier involvement. This review develops the key components for managing design at the inter-firm level, which forms the basis for an empirical examination of one UK vehicle manufacturer and six of its component suppliers. The empirical part consists of in-depth analyses of the design management process within each case study, and across the buyer-supplier relationship. The research presents a classification of suppliers involved in product development based on their relative responsibility for design, and the position each enters the product development process. The thesis concludes that the core suppliers involved in early exchanges of design information require more attention to long-term structural mechanisms, such as supplier development initiatives, than to the use of CAD/CAM or ED!. In particular, suppliers are investing in placing their own staff permanently within their customer premises, in the form of guest (resident) engineers, and this is an area in need of further research. In addition, there is a need for post-project reviews at both the vehicle programme level and the individual system and component level. As project management is devolved to the supply base, the ability to project manage both internally and externally will determine those firms able to compete effectively in the market place.

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Harland, Christine. "Supply chain management : perceptions of requirements and performance in European automotive aftermarket supply chains." Thesis, University of Warwick, 1994. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/34733/.

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This dissertation is about supply chain management. Some authors have used the term to describe a strategic, inter-organisation issue, others authors to discuss an alternative organisational form to vertical integration. Much of the operations management literature uses the phrase to describe the planning and control of materials flow internally within a company or externally between companies. This work develops a definition of supply chain management. The empirical research tests hypotheses relating to gaps in customers' and suppliers' perceptions of requirements and performance in supply chains, against a set of performance dimensions. The hypotheses are tested in four automotive aftermarket supply chains, two of which are in Spain and two in the UK. All four chains have similar structures and include a manufacturer, an area distributor, a local distributor and ten installers, or garages. Qualitative and quantitative analysis show significant :differences between different types of gaps in perceptions; suppliers in the chains do not recognise the 'degree of customer dissatisfaction in existence. A positive correlation is shown to exist between the amount of misperception in the chains about performance and the amount of customer dissatisfaction. It is also shown this customers are more dissatisfied with some performance dimensions than others. In these supply chains, customer dissatisfaction and misperception of performance both significantly increase upstream i.e, downstream customers are more satisfied and there is less misperception in downstream relationships about performance levels. This effect is compared to the industrial dynamics "Forrester Effect". The work develops the concept of supply chain management into a broader, holistic concept of interorganisation operations management. It contributes to operations management by (i) developing the concept of supply chain management (ii) improving knowledge about relationships in supply chains (iii) identifying the significant role of performance (iv) improving knowledge about the implication of position in a supply chain (v) integrating related literatures, notably service management, purchasing, industrial dynamics and logistics.

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Loh, Benjamin Chen-Han. "Explaining industrial clustering : performativity and the case of a Polish aerospace cluster." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.610894.

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Cantu, Cynthia J. Beyerlein Michael Martin. "Evaluating team effectiveness examination of the team assessment tool /." [Denton, Tex.] : University of North Texas, 2007. http://digital.library.unt.edu/permalink/meta-dc-3990.

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Magal, Rithvik. "Development and validation of a mathematical model for a monotube automotive damper." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2021. http://amslaurea.unibo.it/22951/.

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Automotive dampers involve complex flow physics that cannot be fully described by analytical models derived from first principles. Therefore, the development of a mathematical model based on semi-empirical laws that accurately describe the influence of each of the many design features would greatly help the design and optimization of automotive dampers. This thesis aims to develop a computationally efficient mathematical model capable to predicting damper performance with reasonable accuracy. Lumped parameter mathematical models were developed and implemented using the MATLAB and Simulink environments. In order to solve for the structural dynamics of the shim stack, a force method based analytical model was developed. In order to solve for the internal flow field, fluid structure interaction simulations were necessitated due to the inherent coupling of fluid and structural dynamics. Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations were attempted using an open source setup consisting of OpenFOAM and CalculiX coupled by the preCICE coupling library. Coupled simulations on a trial simplified geometry produced physically consistent results. FSI simulations could not be performed on the real geometry due to lack of time and computational resources. The discharge coefficients were modelled as a linear function on the basis of CFD simulations perfomed on outputs from the force method model. In order to validate the MATLAB mathematical model, experiments were carried out on a test automotive damper on a suspension dynamometer. The model showed good agreement in with experimental data at low bleed valve openings. The model accuracy was observed decrease for larger bleed valve openings due to unavailability of accurate model coefficients.

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Howell, Jean Karin. "Key factors required by purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10971.

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The main research problem addressed in this study was to determine the key factors required by purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry to be efficient and effective. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to identify five sub-objectives which were, firstly, to determine the extent to which the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry believe that certain key factors in pricing, quality and supplier management are required to achieve excellence. Secondly, to identify if the purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry actually implement the key factors on pricing, quality and supplier management in practice. Thirdly, to determine if there are any additional factors other than these key factors that business firms regard as key factors to be classified as worldclass purchasing and supply departments. Fourthly, to analyse why purchasing and supply departments in the automotive manufacturing industry do not always implement these key factors. Lastly, to identify any other factors that could have a significant negative impact on the performance of purchasing and supply departments. The study commenced with an analysis and review of relevant literature from various text books, journals, publications and internet sources. The literature study covered issues such as price determination, cost management, basic negotiation strategies, managing supplier quality and the supplier base, as well as a general overview of the latest developments in purchasing and supply management in business. The purpose of the literature analysis was to establish a theoretical basis for the design of the questionnaire which was used as a research instrument in this study. A survey was conducted among selected automotive assemblers and their first and second tier manufacturing suppliers in the automotive industry. The main areas of focus in the questionnaire were pricing, quality, and supplier management. As the questions in the questionnaire related to the purchasing and supply department of a business firm, a qualified and experienced buyer in the purchasing and supply department was identified in each firm to complete the questionnaire. The empirical results from the study conducted indicated that the respondents were in strong agreement with the proposed importance of the factors of pricing, quality, and supplier management required to achieve xcellence. However, the respondents also indicated that there were various obstacles which prevented the firms from implementing these key factors. Some of the obstacles mentioned were long lead times, late deliveries from suppliers, too few competitors in the market place, supplier capacity constraints and the sustainability of suppliers. Additional obstacles that the study identified were the high workload of buyers in general, incompetent staff and insufficient manpower that affected the performance of a purchasing and supply department. The buyers were not only performing buying activities, but were also involved in logistics related activities, which increased their workload and negatively affected their performance. Lack of specialised purchasing and supply chain knowledge was identified as another obstacle to achieving excellence. The empirical study highlighted some recommendations to assist purchasing and supply departments in the automotive industry to achieve excellence and become world-class departments. Examples of these recommendations are that suppliers need to be educated on how to understand their costing models and to check their own sustainability; local purchasing and supply departments require training in the purchasing skills such as incoterms, delivery times, minimum and maximum order quantity; as well as the payment terms. Buyers should be trained to become experts in their products and packaging, as well as the manufacturing process of the product they are purchasing The business firm should only employ qualified buyers who have financial and administrative skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change and work in teams. Buyers also need to master the in-house systems and work procedures involved in purchasing a product. The empirical study also identified that the majority of buyers in the automotive manufacturing industry are senior buyers, male in gender and between the ages of 40-49. The implementation of the recommendations based on the study’s empirical findings will assist in improved pricing, quality and supply management in the automotive manufacturing industry.

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Johansson, Marcus. "Identification of the main factors influencing an RFID implementation in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Science and Technology, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-2886.

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This is a result of a master’s thesis project initiated by Stralfors BA Labels in Gothenburg. The purpose of the thesis is to identify the main factors influencing implementation of radio frequency identification, RFID, in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. These factors are thereafter analyzed and concretized to provide Stralfors BA Labels with a better understanding of present and future business opportunities provided by the RFID technology in these two industries.

The thesis is focusing on applications of RFID that are related to supply chain management applications, and a theoretical framework on this subject is therefore included. The technology of RFID is described, analyzed and compared to barcodes, which is the prevalent technology used for product identification today.

RFID can be used in varied forms in both the pharmaceutical and automotive industry, based on the characteristics of the RFID technology we have chosen to divide possible RFID solutions in open system and closed loop system. In an open system the tags are discarded after they have passed through the supply chain and in the closed loop scenario the tags are reused and moved through the same processes of the supply chain multiple times.

We believe that the main factor for an RFID implementation in the pharmaceutical industry is the recommendations and potential mandates from the FDA to attach RFID tags on every pharmaceutical product that enters the U.S. pharmaceutical market, thus forming an open system. In the automotive industry we believe that the main use of RFID in the near future will be in closed loop solutions for instance to improve asset management. There are already pilot projects running and many of these projects indicate extensive benefits from the use of RFID. Implementation of RFID in open systems is delayed by technological immaturity, profitability concerns and a still on-going standardization process.

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Fuchs, Erica R. H. (Erica Renee H. ). 1977. "The impact of manufacturing offshore on technology development paths in the automotive and optoelectronics industries." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34621.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 202-209).
This dissertation presents a two-case study of the impact of manufacturing offshore on the technology trajectory of the firm and the industry. It looks in particular at the automotive and optoelectronics industries. The dissertation uses an innovative combination of engineering modeling and qualitative research methods to provide insights into this question. The results suggest an important difference between the two cases. In the automotive case, the results do not show that manufacturing offshore changes the path of technology development. In the optoelectronics case, the results do suggest that manufacturing offshore may be changing the path of technology development. The cross-case analysis reveals several important similarities between the two cases: (1) the relative economic positions of the emerging technology and the prevailing design shift when production is transferred to developing East Asia; (2) while the emerging design is more cost-competitive in the U.S. production structure, the prevailing design is more cost-competitive in the developing East Asia production structure; (3) firms initially do not understand the implications of moving offshore for the competitiveness of their designs; (4) firms choose to produce the prevailing design offshore; and (5) although the firms' decisions to produce the prevailing design offshore are rational in a static model, they fail to take into account dynamic diseconomies - specifically, disincentives and disadvantages for innovations critical to long-term markets. In its conclusion, this dissertation suggests a generalizable framework for how technology may influence manufacturing location and how manufacturing location may influence technology. To develop a more representative framework will require additional case studies.
by Erica R.H. Fuchs.
Ph.D.

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33

Ali, Usman. "Configuration management process maturity : definition and maturation of configuration management for aerospace and defence industries." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2014. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/configuration-management-process-maturity-definition-and-maturation-of-configuration-management-for-aerospace-and-defence-industries(63343e6b-9f51-4492-b934-00394ef2720c).html.

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This research focuses on the effective implementation and continuous improvement methodologies for Configuration Management practices within aerospace and defence industries. The research is conducted mainly to develop a Configuration Management Maturity Model which is based on Critical Success Factors and Barriers to Configuration Management implementation. The motives behind this research were the lack of understanding and problems in the implementation of high-grade Configuration Management systems as highlighted by other researchers. The research is conducted in three phases through interviews and questionnaire surveys with experienced Configuration Management professionals working in aerospace and defence industries. The first part of this research identifies, prioritizes, and categorizes the Critical Success Factors for Configuration Management and devises a Configuration Management Activity Model to help practationers in the effective implementation and continuous improvement of the process. The second part of the research sets out to identify and prioritize the obstacles to effective implementation of Configuration Management practices, categorized these obstacles into more manageable groups of factors, and analysed the effects of multiple factors on identification and rating of these barriers. Both studies were conducted through mixed method research with in-depth interviews followed by questionnaire surveys. The governance aspect of the process is also investigated to a great deal in the second part through interviews to conclude on process governance in various setups. The third part of this research is related to the development of a Configuration Management Maturity Model. It is important to note that other maturity models on the topic are generic in nature and emphasis on ‘what’ to implement instead of ‘how’ to implement which has left a gap of uncertainty that forced us to devise a suitable framework. The Configuration Management Maturity Model is an assessment tool which not only provides benchmark information but also helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the process. This maturity framework is unique in its presentation and unlike previous maturity models, is based on current Configuration Management practices, Critical Success Factors, and Barriers to Configuration Management implementation. This maturity model will help organizations to assess their current level of maturity, identify rational targets for improvements, and will help in providing action plans for enhancing their configuration management process capability. Like the previous two studies, this part of the research is conducted through semi-structured interviews followed by questionniare surveys.

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Pantalone, Matteo. "Simulation techniques for the aerodynamic study of automotive components." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2018.

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When it comes to vehicle aerodynamics, wheels have always a primary importance due to their high drag contribution, expecially if they cannot be shrouded. For a vehichle such as a F1 car, wheel total drag contribution reaches high percentage, such as 30-40%. This study has the purpose to investigate the aerodynamic behaviour of a non-deformable rotating flat sided wheel without hubs. The testcase is supposed to have dimensions of a 2018 F1 front tyre. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach, by using Open-FOAM (OF), is used to catch the main flow features, vortex structures and forces involved. A lot of time is spent to get a good mesh around the wheel with OF internal mesher due to the ground presence. Widely used Spalart-Allmaras, κ-ω SST, Realizable κ-ε codes are implemented first. Then the analysis is concentrated to κ-ω SST LM and several built-in DES models: κ-ω SST DES, Spalart-Allmaras DES, Spalart-Allmaras DDES. In the transtional model the goal is to look for laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition. In the DES/DDES approaches it is desiderable to see more detailed flow fields and a reduction of turbulent viscosity in regions where the mesh is fine enough to perform a local LES. As a consequence, comparisons between models output data and catching capabilities are made. Furthermore, the feasibility of using a DES approach with respect to RANS in automotive problems is analyzed in the case mesh grids don’t allow a fine wall resolution. Experimental data matching the testcase considered don’t exist but literature, however, provides a good agreement with the results for similar researches.

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Sala, Carla. "Learning cross-functionality and the power of identity : a case study of an Italian automotive organization." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2013. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/58349/.

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This thesis discusses the relationship between identity and learning in cross-functional teams (CFTs). It focuses on how aspects of members’ identity affect the process of developing cross-functional (CF) teamwork and examines how emerging identity issues can account for different outcomes in the learning of CF teamwork. More specifically, the research focuses on what these emerging identity issues entail in terms of underlying and action-orienting meanings, and on how this can favour or hinder the learning of CF teamwork. This study argues that the collective process of learning how to operate as a CFT is influenced by relational, social and contextual issues. Theoretically, the thesis offers a number of contributions. A critique of current approaches to CF teamwork is provided, where a review of the relevant literature reveals a largely functionalist stance, with a main focus on researching the factors contributing to the effectiveness of CFTs. The thesis advocates an alternative interpretative stance to investigating the role of identity in learning cross-functionality, offering the possibility of an interpretation which is situated in the specific context and which is open to the understanding of emerging, possibly revealing issues. Furthermore, this thesis argues that, within this interpretative approach, by studying what favours or hinders the learning of CF teamwork, it may be possible to deepen our understanding of CFT dynamics. The learning of CF teaming has also been identified as one of the gaps in the relevant literature. The situated learning theory (SLT) and community of practice approach (Lave and Wenger, 1991) is thus adopted as an appropriate theoretical framework for researching the learning of CF teamwork, which is understood here as a practice. SLT suggests that individual learning should be thought of as emergent, involving opportunities to participate in the practices of the community as well as the development of a social identity which provides a sense of belonging and commitment (Lave and Wenger, 1991; Wenger, 1998). Theoretically and empirically justified, the new insight and main focus of this research consists of the consideration of events occurring not only within a CFT, but also beyond and before it, which are able to shape the identities involved, at different levels. This is beneficial, since it explains the different ways of engaging with the practice of cross-functionality and consequently the different learning outcomes. Within the situated learning literature there is surprisingly little explicit reference to theories of identity construction (Handley et al., 2006). A conceptualization of identity is thus derived by tapping into theories of identity which have not yet been developed in SLT, but which represent a useful theoretical development in this arena of studies. These gaps and issues were addressed by conducting qualitative research in a medium-sized Italian firm manufacturing car parts. In particular, an ethnographic study was carried out, using complementary methods such as direct observation, semi-structured interviews and documentary data. Investigations concerned two skilled workers’ CFTs devoted to developing the product ranges respectively of joints and pumps, and a managers’ CFT whose task was to design a new pump for a particular client. Three identities emerged as especially significant for the meanings they entailed and for the influence they proved to have on learning this practice: the sense of identity derived from relationships characterized by paternalism with significant others at work (i.e. the leaders), and the sense of identity derived from being a worker from Brescia, the specific geographical location of the study, and from being a worker or a manager, understood in terms of occupation and social class.

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Du, Jianyi S. M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Rheological characterization of lubricants in automotive industries through development of a novel capillary breakup extensional rheometer." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/118729.

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Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2018.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 143-153).
Extensional rheology describes the response of fluids to elongational deformations, which is important to everyday phenomena such as jetting, drop impact and fragmentation. This thesis describes the development of an improved device to study the extensional rheology of complex fluids such as paints, motor oils, metalworking lubricants and waxes frequently used in the automotive industry. Key processes in the automotive industry can be potentially optimized with a better understanding of the rheology of these materials, including paint spray, auto-body coating, engine lubrication, and other processes involving high deformation rates. The experimental technique of capillary thinning is utilized for characterizing the fluids and an improved design of the Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometer (CaBER) is introduced. The new instrument features higher resolution and faster sampling of the laser micrometer measurements, better controlled motor actuation, a novel environmental temperature control system as well as customized fixtures to facilitate the experiments. In this experimental setup, a liquid sample is rapidly stretched between two coaxial plates, which leads to the formation of a liquid bridge in the middle connecting hemispherical liquid reservoirs at each end. The temporal evolution of the radius of the resulting liquid bridge is controlled by inertial, viscous, elastic and capillary effects. By measuring the evolution in the mid-plane radius and the shape of the filament using a laser micrometer as well as a high-speed camera with a well-established image processing algorithm, we can probe the underlying fluid properties given specific constitutive models. The new extensional rheometer is validated using a number of different fluid systems, including a rheologically well-studied Newtonian calibration fluid of glycerol and a series of aqueous food thickeners. Exploratory tests also show the capabilities and limitations of the device through a series of calibration oils with distinct fluid properties. Three different materials used in automotive industries are tested. First, two commercially available motor oils with the same viscosity index (1OW-30) appearing identical in shear flow, as well as having similar surface tensions are selected. Capillary thinning measurements show that these fluids can be differentiated by the onset of strain-rate-thickening close to breakup, corresponding to the dimensionless Weissenberg number exceeding Wi ~\~ 0.5. This weakly elastic response for each lubricant can be modeled and understood using a simple second order fluid model, which is then numerically fit with the experimental data. Compared with the model parameters obtained from fitting the Newtonian and Hookean dumbbell models, consistency is observed in material properties including the extensional viscosities and the relaxation time, thus showing a smooth transition of the rheological characteristics as the filament profile evolves and the strain rate in the sample diverges. Second, a commercial waxy lubricant (DC-290) for the metal stamping process is selected. This material is first characterized through surface tension measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and shear rheometry to determine the onset of wax precipitation (at a wax appearance temperature of 47°C). Below this wax appearance temperature, the material shows a series of non-Newtonian behaviors, including a non-trivial yield stress, shear-thinning and thixotropic effects with dependence on temperature, shear rate and shear-history. These characterizations are further connected to the capillary thinning profiles inspected at different temperatures, demonstrating a transition from a stable liquid bridge that never breaks up due to the existence of a yield stress, to the inertio-capillary thinning profile resulting in liquid bridge corrugations and droplet formation. For a specific temperature of 40°C, the experimental diameter thinning at the mid-plane shows better correspondence to the prediction obtained from considering inertia-visco-capillary interactions than that obtained from only considering visco-capillary interactions or potential flow limit. Some discrepancies between the experimental results and the inertia-visco-capillary prediction still exist and relate to the yield stress. Finally, another commercial liquid lubricant (FC-6130), which was first independently characterized to be a low viscosity Newtonian fluid through shear rheometry, is examined using capillary thinning to determine the limits of the instrument. A variant of the capillary thinning technique, known as the slow retraction method (SRM) was applied using a smaller plate geometry in an attempt to minimize inertial as well as gravitational effects on the liquid bridge which adversely affect the accuracy of measurements for low viscosity materials. The resulting thinning profile close to breakup shows good correspondence to the prediction from visco-capillary interactions, indicating a purely viscous Newtonian response. The results from these experiments show the capabilities of the new capillary thinning system, and also reveal new strategies to characterize the extensional rheological properties of viscoelastic or weakly viscoelastic materials of relevance in the automotive industries. A deeper understanding of these materials will help in optimizing the industrial processes in which they are applied.
by Jianyi Du.
S.M.

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Trepczynski, Susan J. "Edge of space : emerging technologies, the 'new' space industry, and the continuing debate on the delimitation of outer space." Thesis, McGill University, 2006. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=101829.

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Nearly fifty years have passed since the beginning of the space age, but international lawmakers have yet to determine where airspace ends and outer space begins. This paper examines the need to settle the boundary dispute, specifically taking into account the effect it has on emerging technologies and the 'new' space industry.
The opening chapter examines the fundamental changes that have occurred since the beginning of the space age, both in terms of the technology and the space exploration infrastructure. The background of the delimitation question is then provided, followed by a discussion of the legal significance of the boundary issue. The final chapter analyzes the spatialist and functionalist approaches to the delimitation of outer space, looking at the pros and cons of each position.

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Armellini, Fabiano. "Patterns of open innovation within product development: a comparative study between Brazilian and Canadian aerospace industries." Universidade de São Paulo, 2013. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/3/3151/tde-10072013-112917/.

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Open innovation is a new research line that emerges from a new industrial organization of research, development and innovation (R,D&I): after a period of vertical integration and accumulation, economy seems to walk towards a more plain level with lesser barriers to new entrants due to a new scenario of collaboration and knowledge dissemination. In this new mindset, firms can and should use external ideas as well as internal ideas, and internal and external paths to market, as firms look to advance in their technologies. The general goal of this research project is to analyze the depth and the impact of open innovation practices, as well as to identify patterns of their integration to the product development process (PDP) with focus on aerospace, a traditional high-tech segment within the metal-mechanic sector. For such, a reference model is elaborated and analyzed in two different contexts, in comparison study between Brazilian (emerging economy) and Canadian (developed economy) industries, more specifically the aerospace clusters in São Paulo and Quebec. The research comprises an aerospace market analysis, as well as the study of both countries national systems of innovation, supported by a survey that measures the intensity and importance of open innovation in Brazilian and Canadian aerospace companies plants. The survey is carried out by means of in-company questionnaire-based face interviews with R&D managers. The sample of analysis comprises a total of 53 aerospace plants, 22 of them in Brazil and 31 in Canada. Through a descriptive analysis of survey data, it is possible to identify similarities and differences in the patterns of open innovation in the two clusters. Among the similarities one highlights the focus on the product, the early involvement of customers in the PDP, the strategies adopted regarding intellectual property (IP) protection, the concentration of collaborative arrangements within the boundaries of the aerospace industry and the low intensity use of pecuniary tools, such as venture capital, spin-offs and/or acquisitions. Among the differences, Canada stands out with respect to its innovation public policies and assistance programs, which are found to be more effective in relation to Brazilian policies. Besides, Canadian plants seem to have a better innovative performance, at the cutting edge of aerospace technologies and higher international relevance. The survey also finds that the intensities of openness in Brazil and Canada are quite similar, although the patterns and motivations differ: Brazilian plants are more engaged in providing R&D services for products of third parties under direct contract (and not within collaborative arrangements) to local customers, while Canadian plants seem to be more engaged in a wider spam of collaborative fronts in a wider geographical range. Besides, Brazilian plants are much less intense in the adoption of formal IP protection methods in relation to Canadian ones, which hinders (but not prevents) the full adoption of open innovation in the Brazilian cluster. Based on the results, this text concludes with recommendations directed to the three vertices of the triple helix in both countries, namely: enterprises, science and technology institutes and the government.
A inovação aberta é uma nova linha de pesquisa que surge a partir de nova organização industrial de pesquisa, desenvolvimento e inovação (P,D&I): após um período de verticalização, a economia parece caminhar em direção a um maior nivelamento com menores barreiras para novos entrantes em um novo cenário de colaboração e disseminação de conhecimento. Neste conceito, as empresas podem e devem usar ideias externas, assim como internas, e caminhos internos e externos para o mercado, na medida em que buscam avançar suas tecnologias. O objetivo geral deste projeto é analisar a profundidade e impacto das práticas de inovação aberta, bem como identificar padrões de sua integração ao processo de desenvolvimento de produtos (PDP) com foco na indústria aeroespacial, um segmento tradicional de alta tecnologia no setor metal-mecânico. Para tal, um modelo de referência é elaborado e avaliado em diferentes contextos, em uma comparação entre as indústrias brasileira (economia emergente) e canadense (economia desenvolvida), mais especificamente os arranjos produtivos aeroespaciais em São Paulo e Quebec. A pesquisa compreende uma análise do mercado aeroespacial, bem como o estudo dos sistemas nacionais de inovação de ambos os países, apoiados por um levantamento (survey) que mede a intensidade e a importância da inovação aberta em plantas de empresas aeroespaciais no Brasil e no Canadá. A pesquisa é realizada por meio de entrevistas presenciais em empresas com gestores de P&D, baseadas em um questionário. A amostra compreende um total de 53 plantas de empresas aeroespaciais, 22 delas no Brasil e 31 no Canadá. Através da análise descritiva dos dados da pesquisa, é possível identificar semelhanças e diferenças nos padrões de inovação aberta nos dois grupos. Entre as semelhanças destacam-se o foco no produto, o envolvimento precoce de clientes no PDP, as estratégias adotadas para proteção de propriedade intelectual (PI), a concentração de acordos colaborativos dentro dos limites da indústria aeroespacial e a baixa intensidade na utilização de ferramentas pecuniárias, tais como o capital de risco, spin-offs e/ou aquisições. Entre as diferenças, o Canadá se destaca com relação às suas políticas públicas de inovação e programas de assistência, que se mostram mais eficazes em relação aos brasileiros. Além disso, as plantas canadenses parecem ter um melhor desempenho inovador, mais próximo do estado-da-arte das tecnologias aeroespaciais e com maior relevância internacional. O levantamento também mostrou que as intensidades de abertura no Brasil e no Canadá são semelhantes, embora os padrões e motivações difiram: as plantas brasileiras estão mais envolvidas no fornecimento de serviços de P&D para produtos de terceiros sob contrato direto (e não dentro de acordos de colaboração) para clientes locais, enquanto que as plantas canadenses parecem estar engajadas em um leque mais amplo de frentes de colaboração, com maior distribuição geográfica. Além disso, as plantas brasileiras adotam com muito menor intensidade métodos formais de proteção da PI em relação às canadenses, o que dificulta (mas não impede) a adoção plena da inovação aberta no cluster brasileiro. Com base nos resultados, o texto conclui com recomendações dirigidas aos três vértices da hélice tripla em ambos os países, a saber: empresas, institutos de ciência e tecnologia e governo.

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39

Berkhauer-Smith, Samantha. "The integration of lean thinking and manufacturing business improvement methods within the aerospace supply chain." Thesis, University of Greenwich, 2009. http://gala.gre.ac.uk/8145/.

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This research was initiated by carrying out an extensive literature survey on the current inter-relationships between Manufacturing Business Improvement Methods (MBIMs). The review highlighted that one particular improvement concept is lean manufacture. This review carried out an investigation into the lean environment and assessed many applications of the concept. The literature survey also highlighted restrictions to lean thinking. It is been proposed how some of these limitations can be alleviated by introducing other MBIMs into an integrated methodology. The research assesses currently practised MBIMs and reveals that these methodologies have differentiating relationships, thus producing many types of implementation strategies. The research resulted in studying the inter-relationships between these MBIMs including cultural issues surrounding process improvement initiatives, so they can be unified into an integrated methodology creating a unique strategy that can be correctly tailored to a chosen environment. This research outlines a proposed design methodology that involves ten stages of change including the planning, creating, data collection, analysis and strategic implementation to apply. The approach flows through the change process systematically highlighting how to achieve the best outcome. Feedback into the system is also visible. The proposed design methodology incorporates significant findings from the research, as it highlights the originality of the amalgamation of both the technical and cultural transformations, which are two very different aspects, but highly important factors of change. By considering the two factors, a more harmonious approach in implementing the MBIMs within a company is achieved, therefore resulting in a higher success rate of change. A number of case studies illustrating the implementation of the proposed design methodology is also presented.

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Riggs, Ian. "Supplier selection using performance self assessment reporting in the automotive industry : executive summary." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2004. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/4068/.

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The automotive industry has adopted the use of third party quality management certification as the main quality approval mechanism for its supply base. In addition, most organisations have a system of supplier monitoring to measure their existing supplier's performance and this approach makes it difficult for suppliers to gain new business because their quality capability is unknown to the customer. Two case studies were conducted to determine whether or not suppliers certified to one of the automotive quality management standards had improved quality performance compared to those with the generic ISO 9001/2 standard. The research concluded that the additional certification requirements and increased costs associated with the automotive standards resulted in no quality benefit. Furthermore, a third case study using second party quality assessment results demonstrated that there was no correlation between these audit results and achieved quality performance. Therefore the research set out to answer the question : How can the current supplier selection practices used within the automotive industry be improved to ensure effective decision-making? The Supplier Performance Evaluation Datasheet (SPED) process was developed from a synthesis of current practice and input from industry experts. It incorporates adaptations of best practices in non-quality assessment methods. Three key elements of the SPED process are: - Performance reporting - Minimum performance standards - Stakeholder engagement The proposed process was evaluated through two case studies at Cosworth Technology Ltd and from an expert opinion survey of industry experts in the field of supplier management. The conclusion of this study was that the SPED process would enable customers to select new suppliers with high levels of confidence. It would add value to all organisations taking part and it is easy to implement. Ian

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Cococcetta, Nicholas Michael. "Investigating Surface Finish, Burr Formation and Tool Wear During Sustainable Machining of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1586533608277002.

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Olson, Garrett Weston. "Experiments on the High-Power and High-Temperature Performance of Gear Contacts." The Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1340732447.

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Buey, Daniel. "Modeling non-basal deformation modes in Mg-Y and other Mg-RE alloys." The Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1532081086077038.

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Cook, Isabel Christine. "Intra-organizational opportunities and career paths for managers : case studies in the UK automotive industry." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2001. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/55487/.

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This thesis examines intra-organizational opportunities and career paths for managers in the context of a general trend of downsizing. The thesis presents new evidence on the impact of the trend on the traditional career and aims to produce an analysis that moves beyond the optimistic and pessimistic accounts. The strength of an in-depth investigation was sought in companies within the same industrial environment and labour market. All the research sites are in the automotive sector and geographically located in the Midlands, England. Field work was carried out at Rover Group Ltd., LucasVarity Aerospace Ltd., GKN Automotive Driveline Division UK Operations Plc., and Valeo (UK) Wipers Systems Ltd., and covered also Mayflower Vehicle Systems Plc. and Peugeot Motor Company Plc. as ancillary sources of information. This is a long-established sector of the economy where change may have a more dramatic impact. The case-study was the format chosen as the best suited for my predominantly exploratory endeavour. The main tools of data collection were a questionnaire and semi- structured interviews directed at managers. The former concentrated on core matters such as the managers' education and past career paths. The latter enabled deep-probing so as to explore detail and perceptions. Primarily with a qualitative orientation, collected data were sorted and analysed within categories that emerged from inside this same material. A quantitative element was incorporated with a complementary controlling function. This joint approach elicited findings which answered some important questions. In face of a pessimistic literature on managers in the downsized organization, Dopson and Stewart (1990) suggested that there might still be some hope. Other optimistic authors came to emphasize managerial empowerment to an extreme, notably Heckscher (1995) with the vision of a `professional' manager in a post-corporate era. My results can be linked, instead, to existing studies that adopt a middle ground between optimism and pessimism, such as Watson's (1994) and, more recently, Gratton et al. 's (1999). My own distinctive contribution is two-fold. The boundaries of current knowledge are expanded at an empirical level with fresh evidence on the management career, revealing how managers are making sense of, and living with, a situation of career uncertainty and pressure. At an analytical level, the thesis develops a theoretical model which condenses the key conclusions of the present research study and depicts the emerging structure of a spiral career, with limited upward movement for many and further spiralling upwards for the minority. The former is for `the majority of us'; the latter is for the `high flyers' and the `shining stars'. Optimism applies to this group while for the rest there is not uniform reluctance but realistic acceptance of the situation by many combined with cynicism expressed by some.

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Ekholm, Harry H. (Harry Hilding). "An Analysis of the Utilization of the Work Measurement System Requirements of Military Standard 1567a as Compared to Standard Operating Procedures." Thesis, University of North Texas, 1991. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc332728/.

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Work measurement systems are widely used by American manufacturers in establishing labor standards as inputs for budgeting, estimating, planning, evaluating, and managing production. These systems are used by defense related and non-defense related contractors alike. However in 1987, their use was required in United States Air Force major procurement contracts through Military Standard 1567A.

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Hemberger, Torben Michael, and Torben Hildebrandt. "Factors of trust and trust deterioration in supplier-buyer relationships : A view of the German automotive and aerospace industry." Thesis, Högskolan i Jönköping, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-36019.

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Trust is an integral part in a supplier-buyer relationship. Especially in highly technological industries like the automotive- and aerospace industry this topic is of great importance. However, in contrast to the factors affecting the trust building process, which are researched very well, trust deterioration, its indicators, and counteractions to prevent trust deterioration were overlooked so far. The purpose of this study is to categorize different factors for trust as well as to contribute knowledge to trust deterioration by finding indicators and counteractions to prevent this. The study is partly based on the model of perceived trustworthiness and its three dimensions by Mayer, Davis and Schoorman (1995). One aim of this thesis is to proof if all three dimensions still fit within both industries. Furthermore, a deductive research approach was used in order to research the suppliers’ perspective in both industries regarding trust and indicators as well as counteractions of trust deterioration. Our findings show that the dimensions’ ability and integrity from Mayer, Davis and Schoorman (1995) are still important to build trust. Furthermore, the study contributes to the not existing research by exploring several indicators of trust deterioration as well as highlighting three counteractions to prevent trust deterioration. Consequently, a trust deterioration framework is given to show the general connection between trust and indicators as well as counteraction of trust deterioration.

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Wu, Lin. "A two-dimensional three-level sustainability framework for achieving short- and long-term gains : empirical evidence from the Chinese automotive sector." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2016. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/34047/.

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A topic of academic research and business practice which has grown in importance recently is sustainability. Its main objective is to ensure the development of the current generation and protect the right of future generations to prosper. In the business context, sustainability should be reflected in firms’ efforts to simultaneously ensure short- and long-term gains. A time dimension is thus an important feature in the concept of sustainability. In the past two decades, sustainability research specific to operations management has gained popularity. A number of operational practices from the lean, green and social management systems have proven to be effective sustainability practices with acknowledged positive effects on various dimensions of a firm’s sustainability performance. However, a review of existing studies suggests that a time dimension is totally missing in sustainability discussions. Based on the time dimension, there is a need to classify popular sustainability practices based on their effect on performance, another issue which has yet to be addressed. Furthermore, existing sustainability studies in the field of operations management have mainly focused on sustainability practices and performance, ignoring the role of capabilities in interacting with practices to achieve better sustainability performance. This is surprising given that capability is increasingly proven to be the real source of superior firm performance and competitive advantage. This study attempts to address these research gaps by classifying the popular sustainability practices using a time dimension of short- and long-term sustainability, and by examining the role of two important operational capabilities, namely, operational improvement and innovation, in influencing sustainability. Since operational improvement and innovation capabilities involve short-term incremental and long-term radical changes to existing processes, they fit perfectly in the sustainability context featured by the time dimension. Among industry sustainability is a serious concern in the production and consumption stages of the automotive sector. Any negative impact is more severe in emerging economies due to the lack of advanced technologies and management methods compared with developed countries. This study focuses on sustainability issues in the production stage of automotive products in the context of the largest emerging economy in the world, China. China has been the world’s biggest automotive producer and consumer since 2009. Unsustainable problems such as increased costs, environmental pollutions, and human-related issues become more prominent as the industry expands. Thus, the sustainable development of the automotive industry in China deserves attention and this study attempts to address this from an internal operational perspective. Thus, the study aims to develop and empirically validate a two-dimensional three-level sustainability framework that incorporates both short- and long-term sustainability practices, operational improvement and innovation capabilities, and short- and long-term sustainability performance. The categorization of short- and long-term sustainability is based on the traditional Chinese philosophy of duality, Yinyang. Based on relevant management theories and empirical case studies, the research framework is developed with sustainability practices being the independent variables, capabilities being the mediators and sustainability performance being the dependent variables. Horizontally, short-term sustainability practices include various lean practices and basic environmental management practices while long-term sustainability practices focus mainly on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Short- and long-term capabilities in this study refer to operational improvement and operational innovation from an incremental-radical perspective. Short-term sustainability performance mainly includes short-term financial performance, while long-term sustainability performance focuses on long-term financial performance achieved from being sustainable as well as corporate social image enhancement. In addition to the comprehensive research framework, direct relationships (practices on performance, practices on capabilities, and capabilities on performance) are also investigated. Mixed methods involving empirical case studies, a large-scale survey, and a workshop for dissemination of research findings were employed for this study. Given the fact that there is not sufficient theoretical information, case studies were conducted for framework development. Validation of the framework is made through 284 valid responses to an empirical survey conducted among Chinese automotive firms, including end assemblers, tier-1 suppliers, and tier-2 suppliers. Survey data are analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Findings suggest that the implementation of short-term sustainability practices has positive effects on the development of both operational improvement and innovation capabilities. It is also found to significantly improve both short- and long-term sustainability performance. On the other hand, the implementation of long-term sustainability practices is significantly related with the development of operational improvement capability and long-term sustainability performance only. Both forms of capabilities, operational improvement and innovation, are found to partially mediate the relationship between sustainability practices and performance. The findings were disseminated among practitioners on a subsequent workshop, where extensive acknowledgement was received. This study makes theoretical contributions by adding the time dimension to the concept of sustainability and proposing a direction for future empirical sustainability research on how to incorporate the time feature. Furthermore, it contributes to the static sustainability theories of the Resource-based View (RBV) and the Practice-based View (PBV) by clarifying the tacit and explicit ways in which operational practices enhance performance. Thus, the RBV and the PBV can be integrated. In addition to environmental sustainability, the study extends the Nature Resource-based View (NRBV), another static sustainability theory, to a holistic sustainability context. Finally, it confirms the dynamic sustainability theory, the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), by confirming the unique role firm capabilities (operational improvement and innovation) play in sustainability. Practically, the findings suggest to companies that the long-term aspect of sustainability should never be overlooked, and managers are encouraged to pay closer attention to the development of capabilities when launching sustainability programs.

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Maturkanič, Michal. "Analýza business modelu spoločnosti Aircraft Industries, a.s. a návrhy na jeho zlepšenie." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2017. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-359061.

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The graduation theses applies itself to business model analysis of the company Aircraft Industries, a.s. which run a business in production and sales of small civil aircrafts L-410. The company is struggling with period full of uncertainty which caused the fall of sales, fabrication restriction as well as loss in trading incomes. Unfortunately, according to some analysis performed in the diploma work, the current problems have not been caused just by contemporary events, though by long-term inappropriate set of processes in the firm, too. After all, the work shows possible development in the near future, its impact on the company, as well as suggestions which should be received and accepted by management to avoid any further negative impacts on the company.

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Esfahbodi, Ali. "Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) : an empirical analysis of the UK automotive industry." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2016. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/7089/.

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Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has garnered increasing attention from both academics and practitioners in the past two decades. However, a number of new debates have recently been opened up, throwing doubt on whether the adoption of SSCM practices really pays, and thus the commercial benefits of ‘going green’ in the context of SCM remain open to question. This thesis attempts to investigate whether SSCM practices can be both environmentally beneficial and commercially viable. In light of this, this research develops and empirically assesses a comprehensive SSCM drivers-practices-performance model. Data was collected from 186 UK automotive manufacturing firms, and analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method. The complementary driving force of organisation environmental management (OEM), was identified as a necessary precursor to the successful SSCM adoption. The findings further suggest that while SSCM implementation delivers environmental improvements, it does not necessarily lead to improved cost performance, as only sustainable procurement was found to have a positive effect on cost performance. This research contributes to the existing knowledge by asserting that the implementation of SSCM practices leads to improved environmental performance, while the economic performance is partially compromised, sustaining a negative trade-off in terms of cost performance. Lastly, this research provides useful insights for both managers seeking to adopt SSCM practices and policy-makers and regulators seeking to further promote an SSCM agenda.

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Coetzer, Louis. "Key success factors for lean implementation in the Eastern Cape automotive industry." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14928.

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Lean manufacturing has become an integral part of the global automotive industry where manufacturers strive to improve quality, reduce costs while providing customers with more variety. Organisations are implementing the Lean Production System (LPS) as a process improvement methodology to deliver their products faster, better quality and at a lower cost (Laureani & Antony, 2012). This is accomplished through the elimination of waste and continuous improvement (Kaizen). Through the effective implementation of lean principles, an organisation can realise cost competitiveness, process improvement and ultimately gain a competitive advantage. Although the theory of lean manufacturing is based on the implementation of tools, techniques and operational methods, many organisations that have implemented Lean have not reaped its full benefit. Thus, the realisation that lean manufacturing must consist of more than the summation of its operational based principles, tools and techniques. It has to be approached as a philosophy, which encompasses the entire organisation (Womack & Jones, 1996). Lean is a way of thinking and not merely the implementation of thoughts (Bhasin & Burcher, 2006). Laureani & Antony (2012) added that the fundamentals behind Lean are continuous improvement, waste elimination and employee empowerment. Lean introduction is more than the redesign of processes; the most important change must be in the knowledge of the employees (Dombrowski, Mielke & Engel, 2012). The literature clearly states that the successful implementation of a lean production system depends on more than the application of lean tools and techniques. Many authors and researchers hint that another critical factor associated with its implementation is the human aspect of the organisation. Hence, this study will examine the human related Key Success Factors (KSF‟s) required for the successful implementation of a lean system.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Automotive and aerospace industries'

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