Systematic Consideration of the Potential for Learning from Another Industry

Abstract

An influential 1980's study of shipbuilding reported that "as compared to other manufacturing endeavors, shipyard operations are unique" (IHI 1986:2). However, in another report the same investigators described distinct similarities in "the way that ships, and most other manufactured artifacts, are actually produced" (IHI 1982:1). These two views are not inconsistent. Industries may be remarkably similar from one perspective and mutually irrelevant from another. U.S.-based shipbuilders and the other firms and organizations which form the shipbuilding industrial infrastructure can be inspired but also cautioned by the revitalization of the heavy industries of America which took place during the 1990's. The Detroit automobile manufacturers, automotive suppliers, steel mills, machine tool makers, and other heavy industrial producers of the former mid-western "rust belt" have made a remarkable comeback from the American competitiveness crisis of the 1970's and 1980's. How is shipbuilding different from these industries? Can shipbuilders learn from their experience and insight? For a specific industry, which aspects present useful learning opportunities and which are not likely to be applicable to shipbuilding? In this paper, a methodical approach for answering these questions is presented. The method is illustrated through an evaluation of automobile manufacturing as a learning source for the shipbuilding industry.