• Login
• Admin

Fraser, Dougal (2005) Value Stream Mapping and Flexible Manufacturing at Crown Holdings INC. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

PDF - Repository staff only - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (1MB)

Abstract

This MBA dissertation is the result of investigations conducted into flexible manufacturing approaches for Crown Holdings Inc. The objective of the dissertation was to define manufacturing flexibility and its associated paradigms in relation to Crown processes by piloting value stream mapping techniques within the European Aerosols Division. A secondary objective was subsequently established to produce a process or learning to see mapping model and evaluate its effectiveness as a future tool for Crown to use.

The dissertation contains a number of sections. Firstly an environmental analysis was conducted into Crown and the European Aerosols Division. This was important to the project in aiding the understanding of Crown existing processes and markets, but of critical importance for understanding what the environmental drivers are behind Crown need to become more flexible. Secondly a literature review was conducted which extended the areas of research from flexibility and agility to lean manufacturing and the evolution of value stream mapping, with a suite of twelve separate mapping tools being explained.

The methodology of value stream mapping as a potential tool was examined by studying five separate value streams within the European Aerosols Division, using the model constructed for this purpose. The results of the study were clear. Whilst the value streams were not considered accurate in every last detail, they gave good indications as to where waste and, in particular, inventory would detract from Crown enhancing its response flexibility to its customers.

In conclusion it is recommended that rather than pursuing increased flexibility directly as an operational strategy, Crown should consistently implement the general first principles of lean manufacturing specified within this dissertation rather than using individual lean manufacturing tools as it has in the past. It is concluded that Crown could make marked improvements in its response flexibility in relation to its customers and environment, and thus gain competitive advantage.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Keywords:	value stream mapping, flexible manufacturing, agility
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2006
Last Modified:	10 Jan 2018 01:15
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/20063

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View