dc.description.abstract |
This research project aims to develop a novel A3 thinking approach to support knowledge
driven design that aids the generation of decision making within a Lean Product and
Process Development (LeanPPD) environment. This research comprises the development
of a new A3 template as a technique of problem solving in product design, the adoption
of a reflection practice structured in a new A3 template for knowledge capture and
sharing, and the generation of the process of using the A3 thinking approach for effective
implementation. Providing useful knowledge as a design reference to generate decision
making at the initial stages of product development in product design helps the designers
to prevent recurrence of the same problem, eliminate design mistakes and enhance
design decision. In order to achieve a novel A3 thinking approach, a research
methodology consisting of four phases was developed. The first phase synthesises the A3
best practice through literature and documentation reviews. The gap analysis and results
from the reviews have identified several problem-solving approaches and learning cycles
that have to be considered in the research. The second phase is to evaluate the
approaches and their impacts and applications in product design. In order to complete
this, several research methods are selected and performed (e.g. focus group and semistructured
interview) within the collaborative companies. The third phase is to develop
the A3 thinking approach by utilising the LAMDA learning cycle, developing a new A3
template or so-called A3LAMDA, adopting the reflection practice and generating the
process of using the new A3 thinking approach. Finally, the validation of the new A3
thinking approach through industrial case studies and expert judgements have been
performed. This approach has been implemented in the automotive sector and was
applied to four industrial case studies and six A3LAMDA reports were collected. As a
result of the findings of this research, the utilisation of the A3 thinking approach aided the
generation of knowledge driven design in product design by integrating the knowledge
management capabilities; knowledge creation, capture and sharing. |
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