FORD MOTOR CO.

Outline: Ford is Rising Back From the Dead

Outline: Ford is Rising Back From the Dead

The worldwide marketplace deals with various issues which have an effect on its general operations and management. Ford Motor Company is well known as the top most industry specialists in the world. During Ford's starting years, the Ford company was almost not noticeable from its creator. “Fordism” was a system of mass production which joined the standards of "scientific management" with modern industrialized methods, for example the 'assembly line'.

This paper is about Ford Motor Company getting back to its roots, the heritage it started with the development of the moving assembly line and the original concept of Lean Manufacturing. This paper will focus on the creative steps outlined in the Process to Sustained Success procedure toward the journey of Lean Manufacturing. In addition, the current state of production processes, and recommended specific corrective actions for the re-innovation of Ford Motor Company to a sustained lean enterprise in a modern era will be discussed.

Analysis of Problem

The objective of this paper is to provide a unique philosophy and structure as given in the "Process to Sustained Success" diagram to form the basis for re-innovating Ford Motor Company to continued profitability and continuous improvement.

This paper doesn't intend to address every detail of Lean Manufacturing concepts and the application of specific techniques toward Ford Motor Company's manufacturing processes, but to develop the mindset and philosophy needed to confront the brutal reality that Ford's manufacturing and product development systems need to evolve from its heritage. (Steven, 2004)

A New Vision for Ford Motor Company - The Way Forward Plan

Announced on 23 January 2006, William Clay Ford, Jr. introduced the new President of the Americas, Mark Fields, and Mr. Fields' new direction to right the failing company. The plan Mr. Fields introduced: "The Future Forward".

According to Mark Fields, the success of Ford Motor Company hinges on three priorities:

Creating a team that knows how to win

Developing a Way Forward plan that shows us how to win

Developing with speed to help us win quickly

Figure 1 - The Plan

SWOT Analysis

Ford Motor company is one of the major automotive manufacturers in the globe. It produces and delivers vehicles in all 06 continents. The company's automotive vehicle brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo. Ford primarily functions in Europe and the US. Ford has 80 manufacturing facilities globally.

Strengths

Strong brand image and market share

Extensive operational network

Strong engineering and R&D capability

Increasing operational performance

Weaknesses

Concerning product recalls

Legal proceedings

Underfunded pension liabilities

Opportunities

Poised to benefit from the growing Chinese and Indian automotive industries

Accelerating global truck manufacturing market

Positive outlook for hybrid electric vehicles

Threats

Increasing price competition

Foreign currency risk

Strict emission standards

Chapter 1: Introducing Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior (OB) is a field of study devoted to recognizing, explaining, and eventually developing the attitudes and behaviors of people (individual and group) within organizations. Organizational behavior is based on scientific knowledge and applied ...