Concurrent engineering with suppliers: an 'ever closer union'

This paper examines the move to concurrent engineering with suppliers in one particular company, Rolls-Royce plc. It discusses the changes in the relationship between Rolls-Royces' Aerospace group and its suppliers to support concurrent engineering. It focuses on the re-design of business processes and the framework required to support this adaptation. Using this experience, the paper draws wider conclusions on the effect of an 'ever closer union' between a company and its suppliers.<
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