Standardization and Adaption Requirements in Production System Transplants

Authors: G. Schuh, T. Potente, D. Kupke, S. Ivanescu

Abstract:

As German companies roll out their standardized production systems to offshore manufacturing plants, they face the challenge of implementing them in different cultural environments. Studies show that the local adaptation is one of the key factors for a successful implementation. Thus the question arises of where the line between standardization and adaptation can be drawn. To answer this question the influence of culture on production systems is analysed in this paper. The culturally contingent components of production systems are identified. Also the contingency factors are classified according to their impact on the necessary adaptation changes and implementation effort. Culturally specific decision making, coordination, communication and motivation patterns require one-time changes in organizational and process design. The attitude towards rules requires more intense coaching and controlling. Lastly a framework is developed to depict standardization and adaption needs when transplanting production systems into different cultural environments.

Keywords: Culture, influence of national culture on production systems, lean production, production systems.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1080564

References:

[1] J. P. Womack, D. T. Jones, and D. Roos, The machine that changed the world. The story of lean production. New York, NY. HarperPerennial, 1991.
[2] J. K. Liker and D. Meier, The Toyota way fieldbook. A practical guide for implementing Toyota's 4Ps. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill, 2006.
[3] J. P. Womack and D. T. Jones, Lean thinking. Banish waste and create wealth in your corporation. London. Simon & Schuster, 2003.
[4] R. Neuhaus, Produktionssysteme. Entstehung - Aufbau - Implementierung. Bergisch Gladbach. Heider, 2007.
[5] D. Spath, Ganzheitlich produzieren. Innovative Organisation und F├╝hrung. Stuttgart. Logis, 2003.
[6] J. K. Liker, The Toyota way. 14 management principles from the world's greatest manufacturer. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill, 2004.
[7] G. Schuh, J. Arnoscht, A. Bohl, and C. Nussbaum, "Integrative assessment and configuration of production systems," CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, vol. 60, pp. 457-460, 2011.
[8] G. Lanza, A. Jondral, and U. Drotleff, "Valuation of increased production system performance by integrated production systems," Prod. Eng. Res. Devel., vol. 6, pp. 79-87, 2012.
[9] C. Klotzbach, Gestaltungsmodell f├╝r den industriellen Werkzeugbau. Aachen. Shaker, 2007.
[10] D. Reiner, Methode der kompetenzorientierten Transformation zum nachhaltig schlanken Produktionssystem. Aachen. Shaker, 2009.
[11] U. Dombrowski, I. Crespo, and T. Zahn, "Adaptive Configuration of a Lean Production System in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises," Prod. Eng. Res. Devel., vol. 4, pp. 341-348, 2010.
[12] U. Dombrowski, S. Schmidt, and I. Crespo, Stand und Entwicklungstendenzen von Ganzheitlichen Produktionssystemen in Deutschland, 2008.
[13] G. Schuh, "Erfolgsfaktoren f├╝r Production Systems," VDMANachrichten, Juli, p. 23, 2011.
[14] K. Yokozawa, E. J. de Bruijn, S. de Boer, and H.-J. Steenhuis, Eds., Transferability of Japanese Management Systems Overseas: A theoretical jungle, 2007.
[15] H. Koontz, "A model for analysing the universality and transferability of managment," The Academy of Management Journal, vol. 12, pp. 415- 429, 1969.
[16] M. White and M. Trevor, Under Japanese management: the experience of British workers. Heinemann, 1983.
[17] K. J. Fukuda, Japanese-style management transferred. The experience of East Asia. London, New York. Routledge, 1988.
[18] T. Kōno, Strategic management in Japanese companies. Pergamon Press, 1992.
[19] K. Shibagaki, M. Trevor, and T. Abo, Japanese and European management. Their international adaptability. Tokyo. University of Tokyo Press, 1989.
[20] T. Abo, Ed., Japanese hybrid factories. A comparison of global production strategies. Basingstoke, New York. Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.
[21] P. Lillrank, "The Transfer of Management Innovations from Japan," Organization studies, vol. 16, pp. 971-989, 1995.
[22] M. Kennly and R. Florida, "The Transfer of Japanese Management Styles in two US TrnasplantIdustries: Autos and Electronics," Journal of Management Studies, vol. 32, pp. 789-802, 1995.
[23] F. K. Pil and J. P. MacDuffie, "What Makes Transplants Thrive: Managing The Transfer Of "Best Practice" At Japan Auto Plants In North America," Journal of World Business, vol. 34, pp. 372-391, 1999.
[24] J. K. Liker and M. Hoseus, Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill, 2008.
[25] B. Werner, Konzeption von teilautonomer Gruppenarbeit unter Ber├╝cksichtigung kultureller Einfl├╝sse. Karlsruhe, 1998.
[26] M. Naor, K. Linderman, and R. Schroeder, "The globalization of operations in Eastern and Western countries. Unpacking the relationship between national and organizational culture and its impact on manufacturing performance," Journal of operations management, vol. 28, pp. 194-205, 2010.
[27] T. J. Kull and J. G. Wacker, "Quality management effectiveness in Asia. The influence of culture," Journal of operations management, vol. 28, pp. 223-239, 2010.
[28] G. Hofstede, Culture's consequences. Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publ., 2001.
[29] N. J. Adler and A. Gundersen, International dimensions of organizational behavior. Mason, OH. Thomson South-Western, 2008.
[30] M. S├©ndergaard, "Research note: Hofstede's consequences. A study of reviews, citations and replications," Organization studies, vol. 15, pp. 447-456, 1994.
[31] K. L. Newman and S. D. Nollen, "Culture and congruence: the fit between management practices and national culture," Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 27, pp. 753-779, 1996.
[32] B. L. Kirkman, K. B. Lowe, and C. Gibson, "A quarter century of Culture's Consequences:a review of empirical research incorporating Hofstede's cultural values framework," Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 36, pp. 285-320, 2006.
[33] T. Pfeil, Controlling Schlanker Produktionssysteme. Freiberg, 2009.
[34] L. Bergmann, Nachhaltigkeit in ganzheitlichen Produktionssystemen. Essen. Vulkan-Verl, 2010.
[35] Y. Monden, Toyota production system. An integrated approach to justin- time. Norcross, GA. Engineering & Management Press, 1998.
[36] Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance, TPM for every operator. Portland, Or. Productivity Press, 1996.