Summary: | Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; and, (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; in conjunction with the Leaders for Manufacturing Program at MIT, 2003. === Includes bibliographical references (leaf 76). === This thesis applies lean enterprise principles to the product development process at Ford Motor Company. Based on an internship, the author conducted a detailed study of three Ford product development sub-processes: head lamp appearance design, road load testing, and prototype build process. The value-added activities and wastes are analyzed using a value-stream mapping approach. Lean solutions are proposed in each case and for the overall organization. The last part of the thesis suggests the future research direction. === by Lee Y. Koa. === M.B.A. === S.M.
|