| dc.description.abstract | This paper explores the concept of Value
Stream Analysis and Mapping (VSA/M) as
applied to Product Development (PD) efforts.
Value Stream Analysis and Mapping is a
method of business process improvement. The
application of VSA/M began in the
manufacturing community. PD efforts provide
a different setting for the use of VSA/M. Site
visits were made to nine major U.S. aerospace
organizations. Interviews, discussions, and
participatory events were used to gather data
on (1) the sophistication of the tools used in PD
process improvement efforts, (2) the lean
context of the use of the tools, and (3) success
of the efforts.
It was found that all three factors were
strongly correlated, suggesting success depends
on both good tools and lean context. Finally, a
general VSA/M method for PD activities is
proposed. The method uses modified process
mapping tools to analyze and improve process. | en |
