Product details

The case examines the problems faced by leading aircraft manufacturer Boeing on the production front which led to it being forced to close down its manufacturing plants for one month. The case details the reasons for the failure of lean manufacturing initiatives implemented by Boeing in the early 1990s and the steps it took to overcome these problems. The case also provides information about the lean manufacturing concept, its history and benefits and highlights the differences between lean manufacturing and traditional manufacturing. The case is so structured as to enable students to: (1) understand the concept, importance, process and strategy involved in the implementation of lean manufacturing; (2) examine the pre-requisites for the successful implementation of the initiative and discuss the reasons for its initial failure at Boeing; (3) identify the circumstances leading to the adoption of lean manufacturing at Boeing and the methods and processes adopted in its implementation; (4) understand the guidelines for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing practices, particularly in large organisations; and (5) explore the benefits reaped by Boeing from lean manufacturing. The case is aimed at MBA/PGDBA students and is intended to be a part of the production and operations management curriculum.