Title: World-class manufacturing in Chengdu: a case study on China's first aviation joint venture

Authors: James S. DeFilippo

Addresses: Greater Hartford Area Campus, The University of Connecticut, School of Business, 1800 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117, USA

Abstract: This paper describes the economic conditions in China that contributed to a joint venture between United Technologies| Pratt & Whitney and Chengdu Engine Company. It discusses the elements of world-class manufacturing that Pratt & Whitney brings to the Sino-American venture. The paper examines Chinese cultural attributes and management practices that may conflict with the philosophies of world-class manufacturing. It presents a case study on how Pratt & Whitney and some other global companies are confronting and minimising such conflicts. It argues that China can, and does, successfully adopt world-class management practices when the global partner is sensitive to the legacy of central planning. It concludes with some lessons learned by Pratt & Whitney and others that may be of value to business leaders who are contemplating joint ventures with Chinese partners.

Keywords: lean manufacturing; cellular manufacturing; pull production; one-piece flow; aerospace; joint venture; globalisation; China; Chengdu Engine Company; Pratt & Whitney.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1997.001678

International Journal of Technology Management, 1997 Vol.13 No.5/6, pp.681-694

Published online: 16 Aug 2003 *

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