Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

An integrated methodology to prioritise improvement initiatives in low volume-high integrity product manufacturing organisations

Marriott, B., Garza-Reyes, J. A., Soriano-Meier, H. and Antony, J. (2013) An integrated methodology to prioritise improvement initiatives in low volume-high integrity product manufacturing organisations. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. 24(2), pp. 197-217. 1741-038X.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Purpose – Several authors have proposed different approaches to help practitioners deal with the complexity of prioritising improvement projects and initiatives. However, these approaches have been developed as “generic” methods which do not consider the specific needs, objectives and capabilities of different industries and organisations. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated methodology that prioritises improvement projects or initiatives based on two key performance objectives, cost and quality, specifically important for low volume-high integrity product manufacturers. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews some of the most commonly used prioritisation methods and the theory and logic behind the proposed prioritisation methodology. Then, the prioritisation methodology is empirically tested, through a case study, in a world class manufacturing organisation. Findings – The results obtained from the case study indicate that the integrated methodology proposed in this paper is an effective alternative for low volume-high integrity products manufacturers to identify, select and justify improvement priorities. Practical implications – Selection and prioritisation of projects and initiatives are key elements for the successful implementation of improvements. The integrated methodology presented in this paper intends to aid organisations in dealing with the complexity that is normally handled over the selection and prioritisation of feasible improvement projects. Originality/value – This paper presents a novel methodology that integrates two commonly used approaches in industry, Process Activity Mapping (PAM) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), to prioritise improvements. This methodology can help, in particular, organisations embarked in the manufacture of low volume-high integrity products to take better decisions and align the focus of improvement efforts with their overall performance and strategic objectives.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), high integrity products improvements prioritisation, low volume manufacturing, process mapping, process planning, Six Sigma
Subjects: T Technology > TS Manufactures > TS155 Production management. Operations management > TS156 Quality control
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD9720 Manufacturing industries
Creators: Marriott, Ben, Garza-Reyes, Jose Arturo, Soriano-Meier, Horacio and Antony, Jiju
Publisher: Emerald
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Business & Law > Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour
Faculties > Faculty of Business & Law > Human Resource Management & Organisational Behaviour
Date: 2013
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 197-217
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
Volume: 24
Number: 2
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381311292304
ISSN: 1741-038X
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6302

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