Title: A concurrent engineering approach for business collaboration: a case in the toy industry

Authors: K.F. Pun, R.C.M. Yam, H. Sun, K.Y. Leung

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad, West Indies. Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering, Management, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong. Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering, Management, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong. Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering, Management, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong

Abstract: Today|s manufacturers are looking for competitive advantages of cost, quality, safety, time and creativity. Concurrent engineering (CE) stresses cross-functional integration and simultaneous development of a product and its associated processes. It offers the potential for development of quality producible products, and helps firms foster business collaboration with strategic partners. This paper discusses the adoption of a CE approach for revitalising sequential operational practices in the toy industry. A trial implementation of an Integrated Concurrent Engineering System (ICES) is presented based on a collaboration case study of three toy companies for performance improvements. The concurrent operation practices and product development strategies are explained. The ICES was proven a feasible option for companies attempting sustainable collaboration operations in today|s competitive marketplace.

Keywords: concurrent engineering; business collaboration; strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2003.002576

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.4 No.2, pp.156-173

Published online: 24 Jul 2003 *

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