Special issue on "Quality improvements in the automotive supply chain

Citation

(2006), "Special issue on "Quality improvements in the automotive supply chain", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/tqmm.2006.10618caa.002

Special issue on "Quality improvements in the automotive supply chain"

Background

The paradigm of automotive quality is changing, driven by intense market competition. Where once customer expectations were focused on functionality, usability, quality, reliability and safety, these are now taken for granted. This growing appetite for new thinking in delivering quality is a global subject, as new markets open up and competition from lower cost economies increases. This reinforces the role of the supply chain as a vital link for delivering the vehicle manufacturers new products to quality, cost, and delivery targets.

Editorial objective

There is an opportunity for academics and practitioners working in the automotive sector to make a significant and innovative contribution to this subject. Accordingly the editors of The TQM Magazine have generously agreed to dedicate a Special Issue of the journal in 2007 to the theme: ``Quality Improvements in the Automotive Supply Chain''.

Scope of papers

High quality submissions are sought from academics, researchers and practitioners from around the world. Generally, contributions should cover theoretical developments and practical applications. Specifically, contributors can address any of the following areas:

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  New product introduction through collaboration;

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  Virtual simulation of product and manufacturing;

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  Craftsmanship and perceived quality;

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  Target setting and measurement systems;

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  ISO/TS 16949 quality management system implementation;

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  Methodologies, tools and techniques for product and process improvement;

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  Delivery of quality from the supply chain.

Contributions should emphasise any practical implications of the research or findings as well as future research implications (including lessons from unsuccessful initiatives). Papers on any of these themes are now welcomed and should be submitted as soon as possible and in any case not later than 30 June 2006.

Contributions of no more than 5,000 words should be submitted directly to the Guest Editor,Dr Charles Tennant, Principal Fellow,Warwick Manufacturing Group,International Manufacturing Centre,University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.Tel: +44 (0)24 7657 3094,E-mail: charles.tennant@warwick.ac.uk

All contributions must conform to The TQM Magazine standard guidelines available on the Emerald web site: www.emeraldinsight.com/info/journals/tqm/notes.jsp