...Ford Motor Company and Change Management Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1903 by Henry Ford and a group of investors, the company introduced the tremendously successful Model T in 1908 and by 1923 was producing more than half of all U.S. automotive vehicles. Through the Lincoln Motor Company, Ford produced luxury Lincolns and Continentals. After years of declining sales, the Model T was succeeded by the Model A in 1927 other companies such as General Motors took the opportunity to make an advance into Ford's dominance. The company was reincorporated in 1919, with Ford and his family acquiring full ownership Henry's son Edsel served as president 1919-1943 and Henry's grandson Henry Ford II led the company 1945–1979, reviving its fortunes considerably. Its stock was first publicly traded in 1956. Ford acquired the British automaker Jaguar in 1989 -1990, bought the rental car company Hertz Corp. in 1994, and purchased the automobile division of Volvo in 1999. Later acquisitions included Aston Martin and the Land Rover brand of sport utility vehicles. Ford also owns a significant share of the Mazda Motor Corporation because of financial struggles at the beginning of the 21st century, the company sold off Aston Martin in 2007 and both Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008. Faced with an overwhelmingly complex situation, Alan Mulally was brought in as Ford Motor Company's new president and CEO. As diverse global dynamics confront the company and pressures continue to build, he has...
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...Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company (FMC) in 1903, followed his passion for machinery and mechanics that allows his successors to follow his footprints in building the most wonderful machine as we call it today – automobile. According to a source on FMC’s corporate website, Henry Ford’s idea for his business was about mobility, transportation and lifestyle. Within the next century, FMC has been struggling with its competitors such as Toyota Motor Corporation, General Motors Company, and Chrysler Group LLC. In addition, according to the case study “Ford Motor Company,” the author indicates that FMC has been losing money and excessively producing vehicles. 1. Describe four strategic options that help FMC increase its profitability, and list two criteria you would use to evaluate each option. The first option in the case study is to close down older plants in order to “realign” the company’s production and sales. According to the FMC corporate website, the United States has 29 plants including assembly, stamping, engine, transmission, and casting/forging aluminum. Out of the 22 other countries in which FMC operates, not one of them has more than six plants. Moreover, human labor in the United States is much more expensive than other countries; centralizing most of the plants here will increase the cost and decrease the profitability. In addition, closing down older plants requires a cost to buy out the workers. Yet, the company will end up saving more money getting rid...
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...Analysis Advantages of Virtual Integration Integration of a virtual supply chain could bring about numerous benefits for Ford to refine their supply chain that would potentially make them more profitable and a leader in the industry for cost effective supply chain management. Since it is so competitive, any cost effective procedures could make their product more appealing to the end customer and to their suppliers to give them preferable terms and share information. The key advantage to virtual integration for Ford would be able to accurately forecast the amount of inventory they need. Dell currently operates with a limited amount of inventory on hand by only ordering exactly what they need. For example, Michael Dell explains in his interview that when they order, they will say “Tomorrow morning we need 8,562, and deliver them to door number seven by 7 A.M”. Currently, Ford uses the Order to Delivery initiative which aims at reducing lead times and by sharing the information with suppliers, they would speed up the entire process and deliver the end product faster and with a reduced cost base for the organization. Another big advantage of implementing virtual integration for Ford would be for its Ford Retail Network, where Ford aims to purchase each showroom and give a consistent design and reduce competition between dealerships that sell Ford automobiles. Having the ability to communicate with each other in real time by pooling and share resources such as consumer demand...
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...[pic] Ford Motor Company By Mario Torres Dr. Lawrence Shao Finance 534 September 9, 2010 Table of Contents Executive Summary Company Overview A. Conduct research on the company’s operations and locations and summarize the company’s financial status for the past 3 years. 1. Operations, locations, markets, and lines of business. 1. Comparison of Ford’s financial statements for the past 3 years. Ratio Analysis A. Perform three year trend and ratio analysis for 2007, 2008, and 2009. Stock Price Analysis A. Research the company’s common stock price. 1. Research the S&P for the past five years. 2. Chart the price movement in the company’s common stock against the S&P movement. Conclusion Executive Summary Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler known as the “Big Three Automakers” faced some hard times and had to find a way to survive or possibly be forced into bankruptcy. General Motors and Chrysler accepted a loan package from the federal government while the Ford Motor Company decided to try and make it on its own. The loan package given to GM and Chrysler came with strict conditions that it cut its labor costs and reorganize its debt obligations. Skip to next paragraphFord, however, decided to try and improve its competitive position without the assistance that federal loans provided GM and Chrysler. In order to accomplish this, Ford had to reduce its own costs to stay on a level playing...
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...Organizational Planning at Ford Motor Company Organizational Planning at Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company manufactures and distributes vehicles around six continents making it one of the largest automotive manufacturer’s in the world. The company has a strong market position as a result of its product portfolio that gives Ford significant competitive advantage in the marketplace. However, Ford Motor continues to strive to become the world’s leading consumer company for automotive products and services ("Sustainability Report", 2014). Achieving Goals To achieve goals, Ford plans to implement both strategic and operational plans that coincide with the company’s mission and vision for the future. Its main purpose is to improve its products and services to meet customer needs, and to provide a reasonable return to its shareholders. Strategic Plan Ford Motor Company has a goal of becoming an efficient global enterprise by using its new technologies on its global platforms. This will allow the organization to generate growth across its products and efficiency savings (“Global Round-Up,” 2011). Its focus is on sustainability and fuel efficient technologies. Ford recognized for its efficient use of natural resources, such as retooling its manufacturing facilities with energy-efficient equipment, and increasing the use of sustainable materials while eliminating undesirable materials and substances. Additionally, the company focuses on delivering...
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...As director of Supply Chain Systems, I have decided to implement some of the key components of the new supply chain strategy of Virtual Integration from the companies like Dell Computer Corporation. Though there are several differences between the companies, Dell’s virtual integration strategy can be applied to Ford’s supply chain operation. A modified Virtual Integration System can be applied to Ford’s dependent supplied base, distribution system and dealerships. Special care needs to be taken to address the issue of unique dependency of our Tier 1 suppliers. The management of Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers would be more suited by the standard procedures used by Dell. If we could find a solution to all the obstacles of virtual integration at Ford, it could make our supply chain run smoothly with the best inventory solutions and overall performance. Managers will be able to overcome the complex and faulty manual process of forecasting and procuring parts which result in reduced OTD, thus decreasing the costs and enhancing customer satisfaction. Issues Identification • Inaccurate forecasting • Supply chain based on outsourcing dependent on large supplier network • Ineffective communication in supplier network • Long Cycle Times • Dealer network structure • Following the traditional “Push” model Environment and Root Cause Analysis Ford’s Supply Chain is based on Vertical Integration and Outsourcing strategy, this has created a complex supply chain, increasing inventory...
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...how each corporate differs from the other The corporate cultures of the two companies are very different. One example. GM pulled its ads from Face book. Ford is doing more with Facebook. Another, GM bailed out by the government, Ford weathered the storm. The social media strategy of each company is extremely interesting. GM is going to go the traditional route. Ford has embraced the tools of social media to connect with its customers. I think that gives Ford a competitive edge. General Motors Company is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales, employing 202,000 people and doing business in some 157 countries. They also have five different business segments. They also provide on star vehicles safety, security and information system. As the second-largest automobile company in the world, Ford Motor Company represents a $164 billion multinational business empire. Known primarily as a manufacturer of automobiles, Ford also operates Ford Credit, which generates more than $3 billion in income, and owns The Hertz Corporation, the largest automobile rental company in the world. The company manufactures vehicles under the names Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover, and Aston Martin (Ford Motor Co. 2010). Ford was a first mover that invented the assembly line, which gave him the opportunity to enjoy large economies of scale there vision is to become the world's...
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...THE FORD PINTO CASE: THE VALUATION OF LIFE AS IT APPLIES TO THE NEGLIGENCE-EFFICIENCY ARGUMENT Christopher Leggett Law & Valuation Professor Palmiter Spring, 1999 Abstract Text of Paper Abstract The cases involving the explosion of Ford Pinto's due to a defective fuel system design led to the debate of many issues, most centering around the use by Ford of a cost-benefit analysis and the ethics surrounding its decision not to upgrade the fuel system based on this analysis. ISSUE Should a risk/benefit analysis be used in situations where a defect in design or manufacturing could lead to death or seriously bodily harm, such as in the Ford Pinto situation? RULE There are arguments both for and against such an analysis. It is an economically efficient method which has been accepted by courts for numerous years, however, juries may not always agree, so companies should take this into account. ANALYSIS Although Ford had access to a new design which would decrease the possibility of the Ford Pinto from exploding, the company chose not to implement the design, which would have cost $11 per car, even though it had done an analysis showing that the new design would result in 180 less deaths. The company defended itself on the grounds that it used the accepted risk/benefit analysis to determine if the monetary costs of making the change were greater than the societal benefit. Based on the numbers Ford used, the cost would have been $137 million versus the $49.5 million...
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...Applied Ergonomics 34 (2003) 23–28 Technical note Corporate ergonomics programme at Ford Motor Company Bradley S. Joseph* Ford Motor Company, Health Protection Services, WHQ 532-B6, P.O. Box 1899, Dearborn, MI 48120-1899, USA Abstract The use of ergonomic principles in automobile assembly and manufacturing operations has become an important part of a comprehensive health and safety process as well as an integral part of the engineering systems. Ford Motor Company has developed an ergonomics process to manage issues related to injury and illness (e.g., musculoskeletal diseases) and to ensure the appropriate use of human resources on the plant floor. The ergonomics programme uses joint labour and management teams to identify and evaluate jobs and develop and implement solutions. This paper summarises the efforts of the Ford Motor Company in implementing and maintaining the programme. Key strategies are outlined that provide important links to internal organisational units that are critical to fully utilise the ergonomics process. In addition, the paper outlines differences between proactive and reactive efforts and shows the importance of using the information generated by the initiatives for process improvement. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Ergonomics process; Proactive; Reactive; International 1. Background Ford Motor Company is the largest producer of trucks and second largest producer of vehicles in the world. They produce 70 different...
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...Chandran V B14071 BM-B Contents Contents ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2 Henry Ford – The man who divided the notion of modern economic and social system into Fordism and post-Fordism ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Assembly Line ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Vertical Integration ................................................................................................................................... 4 Profit Sharing ............................................................................................................................................ 5 General Motors – The David who beat the Goliath (Ford) ........................................................................... 5 Reorganization of GM into divisions with decentralized responsibility and centralized control ............. 7 Range of products with prices made affordable by financing .................................................................. 7 Introduction of new models annually ............
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...Case Study of Ford Motor Co. Executive Summary Ford Motor Co. was second largest automobile company in the word, with revenue $.144 billion and more than 370,000 employee (in 1996), with extended operations to 200 countries. Ford dealing with a huge number (thousands) of suppliers and dealers in daily basis, which create high level of complexity combined with other internal and external factors have pushed Ford to search for solutions in order to overcome the costly supply chain challenges that they are facing and may continue to face in the future if they didn't find a proper solution . the main issues with their current system is: the inefficient control of their large data base and complex network of suppliers, the existence of independent distributors and their inability to communicate and serve their customers directly. Ford realized that they should modify their supply chain in order to make it more cost effective and more profitable, in order to solve this issue for launched a full organization re-structures business process plan called (FORD 2000), by segmenting their market to 5 Vehicles Centers (VCs) for product development activates, each (VC) was responsible about for developing of vehicles in a particular customer market, By partly adapting the virtual integration direct business model of Dell Co., Ford can use the emerging information technologies and internet as well as new ideas from high tech industries in order to interact and transact with their...
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...Remember the Ford Pinto‚ the egg-shaped economy ride that sometimes exploded when struck from behind? Mark Robinson Does. He also remembers the look on the faces of the jurors who awarded $127 million to his client 13-year-old burn victim Richard Grimshaw‚ in 1978‚ based on a design flaw that led to the deaths of 27 people from fuel-tank fires in Pintos. The jurors were outraged to learn that the Ford Motor Co. became aware of the risks of passenger deaths in 1971 yet waited until 1976 to move the Pinto’s gas tank from behind the rear axle to a safer spot above the center of the axle. "Ford made a decision to place-money ahead of human lives‚" Robinson says‚ waving an Aug. 26‚ 1971‚ fuel system integrity memorandum. That damning piece of evidence advised Ford executives not to recall or re-design the Pinto "until required by law." Thirty years later‚ Robinson charges‚ little has changed. The automobile industry continues to place profits ahead of people‚ he says. In recent years‚ they’ve added a new weapon to their arsenal‚ according to the plaintiffs’ bar: protective orders granted by courts and genuflecting judges that keep corporate transgressions out of the public eye. Recently‚ aided by lawmakers‚ consumer groups and the media‚ plaintiffs’ lawyers have begun firing back‚ asking courts to let the sunshine in to cleanse dirty little secrets like those behind the Ford Pinto. The Colonel’s Secret Recipe and the formula for Coca Cola—the trade secrets on which corporate...
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...Abstract Ford Motors used to be a prominent automobile company in the past. The company is on the verge of bankruptcy because of unexpected/unusual expenses incurred in the form of changes in investment and extinguishment of debt liabilities. The company should devise a policy that curtails the cost of sales, particularly, structural cost. Ford needs vast managerial and structural changes. The company needs to revise its price patterns, designs and make new and attractive products for the ultimate user, mainly, middle-class groups. Ford also needs expansion in Europe and Mexico. Keywords: Ford motors, cost analysis, microeconomics, demand, recommendation Introduction Purpose Microeconomics is that the branch of economic science that analyzes the behavior of individual shoppers and corporations to do and perceive the decision-making method of each business and households. Economics is concerned with the interaction between individual consumers and sellers also because the factors that influence the alternatives created by both consumers and retailers. Especially, economics focuses on patterns of providing and demand and, therefore, the determination of worth and output in individual markets. The aim of this paper is to clarify however economics influences the Ford Motor Company. History Henry Ford was born on June 30th, 1863. Ford saw his first car when he was 12 years old. Henry and his father were riding into Detroit during that time span. At...
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...FORD MOTORS * Background Ford motor company is an American multinational automaker; headquarter in Dearborn, Michigan, basically in Detroit. Founded by Henry Ford in the year 1903, company products are automobiles; the commercial ones are fords name and the luxury ones under Lincoln, both brands under the same company. Ford Company have participation in the market share stock of New York, also has contribution over Mazda and Aston Martin, Japan and UK respectively. Being the second largest automaker enterprise in the US and the fifth in the globe, Ford has global revenues of $118.3 billion, by the year 2008. Manufacturing 5.532 million vehicles and manage over 213.000 employees in 90 plants and facilities around the globe. For a certain period Ford manufacture a line of trucks, bus and tractors. The company discontinued from their products within market only focusing in commercial vehicles. Ford manufacturing methods had a huge impact on the culture and the concept of ensemble cars, “Fordism” was the popular name for those techniques, an industrial workforce using elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences classified by moving assembly lines, was basically the concept of Fordism, know by the year 1914 worldwide. Ford used to be the manager of Mercury luxury brand for the US market, the company discontinued form market in the year 2011. Ford also acquired some subsidiaries over the years, like Jaguar and Land Rover for example, before being sold to Tata motors...
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...THE CHANGE PROCESS IN GENERAL MOTORS AND FORD This brief analysis reflects on the change management processes employed by the two motor companies; Ford and General Motors. The references discussed in this paper were a source of information that provided knowledge into the 2 major corporations and the transformational changes that they underwent in an effort to ensure their profitability and viability. Both GM and Ford underwent major decline and loss in stock some few years back and even as one filed for bankruptcy (GM) the other hard not to, and succeeded. Both companies needed to make some changes in an effort to recover. In an article by Terry Corbell, as he points out the 7 lessons that other businesses could learn from the Ford motor Company, he infers that If a business is performing in a mediocre fashion, chances are the company needs an overhaul. A culture change, if you will. And for a positive case study in change-management, Ford Motor Company qualifies (Corbell, 2013). Ford has had similar endorsements; ever since after being hired, CEO Mr. Mulally managed to notably install a competitive, sustainable business model that pulled Ford from the brink. Durbin and Krisher seem to agree with this assessment even as they also voice some doubts. Mulally has transformed the company into a simpler, nimbler organization that's ready to react to change more quickly, but experts are not so sure the change will last. Management experts say it's easy to talk about a willingness...
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