Date of Award

9-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Abstract

This thesis investigated Integrated Product Development (IPD) implementation issues. Research emphasis focused on teams used in IPD, particularly self-directed work teams (SDWTs). The areas addressed in the study were: Work Environment, Team Organization, Training and Education, Group Dynamics and Communication, Motivation, Rewards and Incentives, Measurements, and Contracts. Data was collected using interviews and presented as a case study. The most significant findings on work environment were that the organization's leadership should commit to the teaming idea and sell it to the organization's members. Teams should be organized by choosing members carefully and defining all roles. Personnel should be trained in technical skills and! human relations. Group interaction should be ensured by establishing open communication in a non-attribution setting. The greatest motivator of personnel is pride of ownership. A measurement baseline should be established at the outset against which productivity, efficiency, and morale may be measured. Finally, team members should be allowed to provide inputs to any contract which involves them.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSM-LAS-93S-11

DTIC Accession Number

ADA273917

Comments

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Logistics and Acquisitions Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

Download

Share

COinS