Engineering management and the order entry point

Dekkers, R. (2006) Engineering management and the order entry point. International Journal of Production Research, 44(18-19), pp. 4011-4025. (doi: 10.1080/00207540600696328)

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Abstract

Traditionally, most literature has focused on the impact of Order Entry Points on manufacturing and logistics. Current literature about these entry points undervalues the effects on the engineering process, and the writings on modular design hardly discuss the relationship with operations management. To assess and review the consequences for engineering management, a framework has been developed, based on earlier research, covering the standard working methods for the conversion of customer requirements into components of a modular product architecture, the management of customer-order activities and the separate development of new product architectures for future demands. Five case studies served as a base for the investigation of engineering management. Although it might be expected that operations management for the engineering process should not differ from that of manufacturing, the case studies prove otherwise. The characteristics of engineering activities allow a more limited range of interventions, putting more stress on adequate capacity management. Additionally, the implementation of modular design does sometimes create resistance to change. Strategically, modular design has the advantage of architectural innovation. However, the implementation of the Order Entry Matrix in engineering management shows that control of engineering activities is weakly developed in industry.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dekkers, Dr Rob
Authors: Dekkers, R.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:International Journal of Production Research
ISSN:0020-7543
ISSN (Online):1366-588X

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