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What is the best configuration for a global production network? What are the different dynamics in low-cost vs. high-cost countries? Getting the answers right is key to building a competitive and efficient global production network. Centers of economic activity are shifting profoundly, globally and even regionally. Production is shifting even more dramatically than the economy as a whole, making it critical for decision makers to know what criteria matter most and how to make the right decisions on where to invest. Regardless of the industry involved, an optimized global footprint can translate to a competitive advantage. A comprehensive redesign typically yields a 20 to 40 percent reduction in manufacturing costs. Global production and purchasing operations create a platform for entry into new markets. Planning and implementing a sustainable globalization strategy, however, takes considerable effort; this book is there to help in that task.
The wealth of experience and analysis featured in Global Production is the result of an extensive survey among leading manufacturing companies as well as countless discussions with executives who have personally wrestled with the issues of "going global." In breadth and depth, the insights it offers surpass what a manager or most individual companies could acquire on their own.
List of contents
Why Go Global? The Multinational Imperative.- Selection Criteria: Assessing Relevant Trends and Indicators.- Investments Abroad: Using the Right Evaluation Techniques.- Network Design: Optimizing the Global Production Footprint.- Production Technology: Adapting to Maximize Local Advantage.- Implementation: Ramping Up New Facilities for Top Performance.- Management: Applying Best-Practice Structures and Processes.- Sourcing: Extending the Footprint Reconfiguration to Suppliers.- R&D: Aligning the Interface with Production.- Macroeconomic Implications: Accelerating Growth.
About the author
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eberhard Abele promovierte am Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung (IPA), Stuttgart. Während seiner 14-jährigen Industrietätigkeit sammelte er internationale Erfahrung als Leiter Fertigungstechnologie und Werkleiter in der Automobilzulieferindustrie. Prof. Abele wurde 1999 an den Lehrstuhl Produktionsmanagement, Technologie und Werkzeugmaschinen an der TU Darmstadt (PTW) berufen.
Summary
Global production and purchasing operations create a platform for entry into new markets. However, it takes considerable effort to plan and implement a sustainable globalization strategy; this comprehensive handbook on the strategy and implementation of global manufacturing networks will help in that task. The wealth of experience and analysis featured in this book is the result of an extensive survey among leading manufacturing companies as well as countless discussions with executives who have personally wrestled with the issues of "going global." The book treats the whole range of management challenges: from the optimal location decision to the ramp-up of new production sites. In breadth and depth, the insights it offers surpass what a manager or most individual companies could acquire on their own.
Additional text
From the reviews:
“This book, an update of the 2005 German edition, is based on interviews with 100+ managers at 54 companies in Western Europe, North America and Asia … . The book, with a good quality touch, is filled with examples and data from companies and it has well-constructed, insightful data graphs and figures … . I would highly recommend this book to academicians, consultants and practitioners or anyone who would like to know more about the inner workings of global production networks.” (Gyula Vastag, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 47 (19), October, 2009)
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From the reviews: "This book, an update of the 2005 German edition, is based on interviews with 100+ managers at 54 companies in Western Europe, North America and Asia ... . The book, with a good quality touch, is filled with examples and data from companies and it has well-constructed, insightful data graphs and figures ... . I would highly recommend this book to academicians, consultants and practitioners or anyone who would like to know more about the inner workings of global production networks." (Gyula Vastag, International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 47 (19), October, 2009)
