Title: SPC in the motor industry: an examination of implementation and use

Authors: B.G. Dale, P. Shaw, M. Owen

Addresses: Manchester School of Management, UMIST, Manchester, UK. ' The Management Centre, Wigan College of Technology, Wigan, UK. ' Training for Excellence, Bristol, UK

Abstract: This paper reports the findings of questionnaire survey work into the use of statistical process control (SPC) in a sample of 158 United Kingdom suppliers to the motor industry. All respondents had attended a Ford Motor Company approved and supported three-day SPC course. The survey investigated the following broad areas: SPC implementation, applying and developing SPC, SPC training, supplier and customer relationships and benefits of SPC. The major findings include the majority of organisations face difficulties in the implementation and use of SPC; most of the problems encountered are self-inflicted, and the warnings and advice given in previous survey reports are not being heeded. It is also pointed out that most organizations have reached the stage where they are using SPC for their own corporate health and not just because it is a contractual requirement of their major customers.

Keywords: quality control; statistical process control; SPC; supplier-customer relationship; training; motor industry; United Kingdom; UK; automotive suppliers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1990.061610

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1990 Vol.11 No.2, pp.115 - 131

Published online: 26 May 2014 *

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