Title: Through-life management: the provision of total customer solutions in the aerospace industry

Authors: Yvonne Ward, Andrew Graves

Addresses: Aerospace Psychology Research Group, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Eire. ' Lean & Agile Research Group, School of Management, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK

Abstract: The concept of through-life management, a complex combination of manufacturing and service operations, is being widely promoted throughout the aerospace industry. However, there is no clear understanding of how this approach is being implemented in practice. This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study undertaken within the aerospace industry which investigates the drivers for through-life management, the development of strategies and services to support through-life management and the transition of aerospace companies to through-life total service providers. The paper concludes by highlighting the theoretical and practical implications of this research.

Keywords: through-life management; integrated product services; total customer solutions; aerospace industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2007.013942

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2007 Vol.8 No.6, pp.455 - 477

Published online: 04 Jun 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article