Ford Hybrid
Paper # 2 Ford Hybrid
09/13/2012
Abstract
Which stages of the project life cycle are evident in the case study?
Did Martens select the right two project managers in Patil and Wright?
What are toughest challenges faced by the project manger’ during a high visability and high risk project?
Would you like to have been involved with the Ford Escape Hybrid project?
Paper # 2: Ford Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid program was the midterm step of the company’s steps of sustainability. The program was included in the company’s long-term plans for more than two decades. The program in the past decade accelerated rapidly due to increased pressure from recently enhanced EPA regulations for improved gas mileage and pollution standards. The release of similar Hybrid technologies from competitors Honda and Toyota put Ford’s plans into hyper-mode (Frenett 2008).
Project Life Cycle The Ford Escape case study explained the managements ideas and methods selected to design and implement production of a the most revolutionary car ever produced by Ford. The stages of activity included conceptualization, planning and execution phases of production. Conceptualization was achieved by bringing the right type of managers into the process. In addition Ford did something it had never done before, brought researchers and product engineers into the same building. Past projects had always placed emphasis on keeping the two vital areas separate. This was implemented to decrease the amount of time to production by minimizing re-work required due to lack of communication. Planning was achieved by making sure each portion of the team was selected with personality and work habits matched as closely as possible. This would minimize friction created by personal differences and increase productivity. The concept in turn enabled the timeline goals to be met. Execution was a key element of the process and was a direct result of the work of Martens and Wright. The two were
09/13/2012
Abstract
Which stages of the project life cycle are evident in the case study?
Did Martens select the right two project managers in Patil and Wright?
What are toughest challenges faced by the project manger’ during a high visability and high risk project?
Would you like to have been involved with the Ford Escape Hybrid project?
Paper # 2: Ford Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid program was the midterm step of the company’s steps of sustainability. The program was included in the company’s long-term plans for more than two decades. The program in the past decade accelerated rapidly due to increased pressure from recently enhanced EPA regulations for improved gas mileage and pollution standards. The release of similar Hybrid technologies from competitors Honda and Toyota put Ford’s plans into hyper-mode (Frenett 2008).
Project Life Cycle The Ford Escape case study explained the managements ideas and methods selected to design and implement production of a the most revolutionary car ever produced by Ford. The stages of activity included conceptualization, planning and execution phases of production. Conceptualization was achieved by bringing the right type of managers into the process. In addition Ford did something it had never done before, brought researchers and product engineers into the same building. Past projects had always placed emphasis on keeping the two vital areas separate. This was implemented to decrease the amount of time to production by minimizing re-work required due to lack of communication. Planning was achieved by making sure each portion of the team was selected with personality and work habits matched as closely as possible. This would minimize friction created by personal differences and increase productivity. The concept in turn enabled the timeline goals to be met. Execution was a key element of the process and was a direct result of the work of Martens and Wright. The two were
References: Frenett, G. (2008). Ford Motor Company Perspective on PHEV Technology http://www.che.ncsu.edu/ILEET/phevs/plug-in_2008/1A-Ford%20Motor%20Company%20Perspective%20on%20PHEV%20Technology.pdf Salter,C. (2004). Ford’s Escape Route http://www.fastcompany.com/51547/fords-escape-route Tierney, C. (2005) Detroit News. Cars.com - Ford Slams Toyota on Hybrids Motor Company Perspective on PHEV on http://www.che.ncsu.edu/ILEET/phevs/plug-in_2008/1A-2_Ford%20Motor%20Company%20Perspective%20on%20PHEV%20Technology.pdf PHEV