FHE Inc Case Study

Register to read the introduction… The sequential process often results in product misalignment. Sequential process is a traditional approach where processes are done in stages or steps shown in the figure below. Product misalignment occurs when problems occur during the new product development (i.e. the manufacturing department cannot make what the engineering department specifies due to technology limitations.)

The concurrent process shows a simultaneous development process where all functions of the marketing, engineering and operations are involved from beginning to the final stage of product launch. In the first stage, marketing has a major effort but other functions also have a role. During the product design phase, marketing reduces its effort but not to zero, while engineering has the major role. Finally, operations picks up the lead as the new product is tested and launched into the market. Concurrent process is shown below:

2. What could be done to clarify the organizational relationship between product managers, technical program managers and manufacturing