Presents a practical analysis of operational performance measurement at Airbags International Ltd (AIL), a supplier of airbag safety devices to the automotive industry. First, the primary measure of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) is described. Its implementation and use within the...

Purpose – Illustrated with the case of Renault-Dacia in Romania we aim to give insights in how and why foreign car makers contribute to upgrading. In addition, we analyse the spatial implications of this process for different parts of the value chain. Design/methodology/approach – We divide...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify three commonly observed mistakes made when managing suppliers and describe factors that contribute to successful buyer–supplier partnerships. Design/methodology/approach – Five extensive case studies in the automotive and clothing...

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine which changes companies need to implement in their transactional marketing strategy to sell to the poor when launching a product innovation in low‐income countries. Design/methodology/approach – The paper confronts the literature on the...

Purpose – To highlight an unconventional way out of the “innovation dilemma,” relevant to many business organizations, innovative management and risk friendliness are necessary, but the way in which failure is handled and the resulting fear of making mistakes block the (innovative) efforts...

Purpose – The automobile industry in India is one of the sunrise industries and is poised to enhance its contribution from 5 percent of GDP in 2006 to 10 percent by 2016. The auto component industry in India has grown hand in hand with the industry and is in the process of transforming itself...

Purpose – Aims to determine how BMW's use of robots in car manufacturing is evolving. Design/methodology/approach – Presents the latest applications of robots at BMW's Regensburg plant where the new small 1‐series car started production in 2004. Findings – Finds that robots are being...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundamental concept of Honda's robotized friction stir welding (FSW) technology, its implementation to mass produced vehicles and the future impact on the automobile industry. Design/methodology/approach – Based on an interview with...

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to address the impact of product design changes on supply chain risk, and to identify the supply chain risk dimensions in the Chinese special‐purpose vehicle (SPV) industry in the context of product design change. Design/methodology/approach –...

Purpose – The primary purpose of this study is to illustrate a practical approach for industrial work process design that, in an integrative manner, captures essential concerns from different parties associated with manufacturing. It aims explicitly to incorporate utility expectation from the...