Car Development Projects Research Articles

Chassis durability and comfort trade-off at early stage of project by virtual proving ground simulation

The simulation of vehicle chassis system is widely deployed at the early stage of a new car development project in order to verify if the technical specifications such as durability and comfort of current design are fulfilled. However, the numerical validations of specifications are usually carried out independently by project teams, which may fail to converge the final design at downstream phase of projects. This paper proposes an early stage multi-objective optimisation method which is able to search a set of best trade-offs between durability and comfort before the deployment of the chassis parameters. Virtual proving ground simulation is applied as a uniformed numerical validation platform, following the same process as in physical experiments, including global and local damage calculation, transfer function estimation and other comfort criteria. By realising the design of experiments on front and rear axles' global curves and key components in a deployable design space, the Pareto front can be obtained in several optimisation iterations. An application case on an example project shows the method succeeds in revealing the general trends between these two chassis specifications with acceptable simulation costs. The data-mining methods further demonstrate the design preferences and orientations of each group in the simulation database.

Decision-making and cost deviation in new product development projects

PurposeEmphasizing the importance of product cost deviation; the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the new product development (NPD) literature and research on decision making by discussing: How are decisions related to product cost deviations made during a product development project?Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth single case study approach studying the decision-making process of Volvo Cars Cooperation during a car development project is applied.FindingsThe paper suggests that factors influencing how decisions related to cost deviations are made during a NPD are not limited to the classic trade-offs among time, cost and scope, but include managers’ complex cause-and-effect analysis under the influence of values, behaviors and norms. Furthermore, the context is not limited to NPD projects; rather the frame for the decisions and its influencers is at least as wide as the corporate context.Research limitations/implicationsThe common limitations of a single case study apply.Practical implicationsThe study emphasizes the importance of clearly defined targets during a NPD project that need to well communicated, acknowledged and understood by all involved to serve as true business levers. A poor target is likely better than no target. Furthermore, lack of overview or responsibility for the success of the projects, increase the risk for sub-optimization and silo thinking.Originality/valueThe study is pioneering by highlighting the importance of and explaining the implications of decision making related to cost deviations during a NPD project.

Application of project quality management to increase the successful rate of car project: a case study in China

Along with Chinese automobile industry booming development, the car models are updated quickly to adapt to the fierce competition condition. With the rapidly upgrading of car models, to increase the successful rate of car project becomes more important, that is, to ensure the products quality at the same time assurance of the update schedule, to reduce the delay or even failure due to the quality problems of car project. The case of quality management in Beijing Mercedes Benz C-Class car project was studied. The quality planning, quality assurance and quality control were studied in the implementation process of project quality management, using advanced project management theory and methods. The results showed that introducing project quality management system in the car project could effectively improve the product quality and enhance customer satisfaction. It could provide certain reference for the quality management of new car development project.

Framework for assessing cable car construction investment projects: Examining investment projects in Taiwan

The use of low-carbon evaluation indices for tourist attractions facilitates the promotion of low-carbon tourism. However, balancing tourism and environmental considerations has become critical to the development of the tourism market. Compared with road vehicles, cable cars are environmentally friendly, convenient, and economical. This study presents a framework for evaluating cable car development projects on the basis of the following aspects: (a) determining guidelines for cable car stations and route layouts, (b) establishing a logical framework for assessing the feasibility of cable car systems, (c) identifying station assessment items, and (d) evaluating the assessment items for potential routes by applying the analytic hierarchy process. These aspects can facilitate executing thorough and pragmatic assessments of cable car development projects.

Virtual R&D Project Teams: From E-Leadership To Performance

<p>Recent research on virtual teams highlights the importance of high quality relationships to achieve high team performance. For research and development (R&D) virtual project teams, relationships characterized by cooperation and trust are expected to enhance creativity and innovation among team members. The purpose of this paper is to identify variables enabling high quality relationship building in virtual R&D teams and to analyze their influence on team performance. To this end, this study examines the effects of leadership, work organization and communication practices on the quality of the relationship between team members. The theoretical developments are illustrated through a case study of a car development project in a leading French car-making firm, PSA. Our findings show that dynamic and positive leadership plays an important role in enhancing relationships between team members. The results also highlight the importance of synchronous meetings and frequent and regular interaction to build cooperative and trusty relationships leading to high performance.</p>

Rhythms of Learning -- Radical and Incremental Innovation Projects and Problem-solving in the Automotive Industry

This paper studies effects of interaction and communication patterns on learning in radical and incremental New Product Development (NPD) projects. It presents results of a multiple longitudinal case study of project meetings and data exchange along a technological transition path in four sequential car development projects. To gain in depth insights, data were analyzed on project level and on problem-solving level by means of a mixed-method approach. We contribute to the literature on organizational learning and problem-solving in NPD by deriving propositions based on three rhythmic patterns identified. First, we identify that effective project-to-project learning requires communication and interaction overlap, and is moderated by project newness. Second, successful projects form a wave-shaped rhythm of communication defined by changing amplitudes and frequencies. In effective learning, communication follows a decaying oscillation. Third, we observe that interaction is best described as an s-shaped curve, reflecting phases of high and low intense artifact generation. In combination, identified patterns serve as reference values to evaluate project performance and allow managerial intervention.

Origin and Evolution of Routines - Radical and Incremental Innovation in the Automotive Industry

Research on organizational routines embodies the classical paradoxical tension between stability and change; yet, most findings are empirically based on stable, simple, technology-based and continuous processes. This paper inductively identifies mechanisms explaining the origin and the evolution of routines using data of problem-solving communication of two repeating car development projects. The study tackles the question of how organizations get new things done – repeatedly. Therefore, this article studies how cross-functional teams organize themselves over time when solving new problems in the fuzzy-front-end phase of innovation. It presents the result of a qualitative longitudinal case study of a project team working on the exterior car design at an automotive manufacturer. The case study concerns an in-depth analysis of a new, and hence reoccurring, technical problem. The research contributes to literature on organizational routines and innovation management in three ways. Firstly, we characterize the performative character of problem-solving, unveiling the generativeness of activities. Secondly, we show the difference of applied activities in new and routinized problem-solving, unveiling the evolution of a routine Thirdly, we observe the ostensive character of routines exemplified by the sequence and combination of activities. Finally, the study unveils reinforcing mechanisms for stabilizing new routines e.g. the intensive usage of engineering artifacts.

Origin and Evolution of Routines - Radical and Incremental Innovation in the Automotive Industry

Research on organizational routines embodies the classical paradoxical tension between stability and change; yet, most findings are empirically based on stable, simple, technology-based and continuous processes. This paper inductively identifies mechanisms explaining the origin and the evolution of routines using data of problem-solving communication of two repeating car development projects. The study tackles the question of how organizations get new things done – repeatedly. Therefore, this article studies how cross-functional teams organize themselves over time when solving new problems in the fuzzy-front-end phase of innovation. It presents the result of a qualitative longitudinal case study of a project team working on the exterior car design at an automotive manufacturer. The case study concerns an in-depth analysis of a new, and hence reoccurring, technical problem. The research contributes to literature on organizational routines and innovation management in three ways. Firstly, we characterize the performative character of problem- solving, unveiling the generativeness of activities. Secondly, we show the difference of applied activities in new and routinized problem-solving, unveiling the evolution of a routine Thirdly, we observe the ostensive character of routines exemplified by the sequence and combination of activities. Finally, the study unveils reinforcing mechanisms for stabilizing new routines e.g. the intensive usage of engineering artifacts.

Product modularisation and organisational coordination

Product modularization can bring a lot of benefits, for example shorter lead-time since different modules can be developed in parallel. Existing literature proposes that by standardizing interfaces, it is possible to avoid coordination problems in the development of different modules; coordination problems that might be caused by conflicts calling for management decisions. We test this assumption by investigating two modules in a new car development project. Despite having standardized and simple interfaces to other modules, managerial involvement in coordination was still needed. Hence, dividing a product into modules does not eliminate the need for a managerial hierarchy making important decisions.

Crash simulation evolution and its impact on R&D in the automotive applications

This paper analyses the impact of the virtual tool 'crash simulation' on automotive Research and Development (R&D) over the last 35 years. The research carried out in this context identifies and investigates distinct phases, respectively stages of the potential of crash simulations based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the stages' impact on automotive R&D in-depth. In a study of German Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) utilisation of crash simulations, the evolution of this tool is explored and its impact on productivity and problem-solving investigated. We draw upon literature about crash simulations in car development projects, the utilisation of crash simulations in related tasks and recent literature about the overall impact of crash simulations on automotive R&D. The significance of the tool 'crash simulation' for the OEMs is emphasised by means of corresponding landmark projects. Our study is based on qualitative research based on 29 in-depth interviews with experts from all of the major German OEMs and experts from the US academia. Our analysis results in partitioning the tool's evolution into five phases. Each phase is characterised by its impact on automotive R&D. The phases induced profound changes either in productivity or in the ability of problem-solving. Understanding these profound changes and its triggers holds the key to better understanding the potential of virtual simulation tools and the requirements necessary to unlock this potential.

The Gendered Machine: Concept Car Development at Volvo Car Corporation

This article examines the treatment in the media of the first concept car development project managed by female engineers and designers. The study is based on a critical discourse analysis methodology in which the production of social institutions and beliefs are conceived of as being based on written and spoken statements and utterances. The discursive production of statements not only has intangible effects but also implies material consequences. The study shows that although the project aimed at highlighting and using competencies among the female co‐workers and to position Volvo as a progressive company, the media coverage in many cases draws on gendered stereotypes and commonsense beliefs. As a consequence, it demonstrates that stepping outside gendered forms of expression is a complicated matter and therefore a more elaborated vocabulary remains to be developed in both the media and industry.

YCC: a gendered carnival? Project work at Volvo Cars

PurposeTo discusss the first concept car development project in the automotive industry managed by female engineers and designers.Design/methodology/approachAn abiding concern in feminist discourses is to understand how and why women are excluded from certain positions and activities and how organizations become gendered. Drawing on the Russian literature theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, exceptional events such as concept car development projects in the automotive industry may be examined as a form of carnival wherein the predominant social order is overturned for a period of time and thereafter restored.FindingsExploring the “all female” project at Volvo Cars as a carnival event captures the double nature of such “affirmative” activities; on the one hand, they are giving space to marginal groups, while, on the other hand, being events that differ from the everyday work life order, they therefore risk being marginal activities with limited sustaining impact.Originality/valueIn theoretical terms, the paper has integrated feminist theory and Bakhtin's writing on the carnival as an institutionalized way to mediate conflict and discontent.

Technological level and product development cycle time

This article investigates the link between product development cycle time and technological level in the final product, using a sample of 11 new car development projects. Reducing cycle time can create competitive advantages, but it also may lead to the development of technologically inferior products. Time is needed to digest and analyze technological problems. The conclusions from our study support the notion of a relationship between cycle time and technological level. Thus, there are important choices to be made regarding the desired level of technological maturity in the final product. This affects the required cycle time. Simply reducing the cycle time may not always be feasible or desirable.