Use of the Internet to support management flight simulation in the extended enterprise

The paper discusses a current EPSRC project (PIPSEE-Product Introduction Process: a Simulation in the Extended Enterprise) that is attempting to improve the execution of the product introduction process (PIP) within an extended enterprise in the aerospace sector. The modus operandi for accomplishing this has been to develop process understanding amongst a core team that spans four different companies through process modelling, review and improvement recommendation. In parallel, a Web based simulation capability is being developed that will be used to disseminate findings and train others in the lessons that have been learnt. The paper focuses on the development of the simulator software and its context for use. Other papers describe the methodology associated with the process examination (B.T. Clegg et al., 1998; A.J. Boardman et al., 1998).