A learning alliance for robust design in product development: the case of Volvo 3P and Chalmers University of Technology

Abstract

Although the use of robust design within product development (PD) has a large potential, its practical application in industry has been limited. Learning from an earlier less-successful trial, the Volvo Group developed an initiative that was successful in making robust design part of development engineers' regular work. This initiative was conducted in 2006–2009 as action-research collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, involving researchers and 22 master students. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse this initiative. Data have been gathered through formal interviews, participation and observation in formal and informal meetings and through master theses. The initiative's design included a broader robust design concept, emphasising robust design principles, and the creation of local learning processes involving PD engineers and their supervisors. The company–university collaboration functioned as a ‘learning alliance’ on different levels. First, a learning relationship was created between individual engineers and master–students resulting in reflection-in-action and iterative mutual learning. Second, the learning alliance also included professors/researchers from Chalmers interacting with company representatives in an open learning environment, as well as reflection-in-supervision in the interaction with master–students. This interaction also supported the company in its process of creating structure and practices for organisational learning.