Prerequisites for Development of Products Designed for Efficient Assembly - a Study about Making Knowledge Productive in the Automobile Inustry

Abstract: This thesis deals with the development of the competence tocreate assembly efficient products. The assembly-relatedknowledge that is resident within an organisation is ofinestimable value and should be used, refined and developed inorder to obtain assembly efficient products. The question ishow competence development can be promoted organisationally.This thesis has adopted the working hypothesis thatmodularisation promotes competence in the development ofassembly efficient products. This position is based on theliterature regarding competence development,competence-promoting organisations, and concurrentengineering.The empirical research reported in this thesis is along-term case study carried out at Volvo Car Corporation. Inthe licentiate thesis that preceded this doctoral thesis, itwas suggested that assembly work should be based on modules.The further topics researched in this thesis includeexamination of a modularisation process, examination of thecommunication interface between the assembly organisation andthe product development organisation, the effects ofmodularisation on the assembly process, and an investigation ofthe development of two assembly efficient products.The product of the research is a model representing theorganisational prerequisites for developing competence in thecreation of assembly efficient products. The key elements inthe model are a transparent organisational structure, clearintention in the organisation, and accommodation ofcross-functional exchange. Modularisation is a means ofcreating a transparent organisational structure that makes itpossible for members of the organisation to understand thecontext in which they work, which is a basic requirement fordeveloping competence. A structure for cross-functionalcooperation should be put in place to facilitatecross-functional exchange and learning. To succeed indeveloping assembly efficient products, an organisation mustalso clear signal that this is its intention. Visions, goalsand strategies must express this ambition. Only then will themembers of the organisation have the mindset that enables themto use their full potential to develop competence in creatingassembly efficient products.Keywords:competence-promoting organisation, transparentorganisation, modularisation, assembly efficiency, automobileindustry