Towards an integrated decision making framework for aero engine MRO contract management in the productisation context

One of the most critical elements in the ‘productisation’ of service adopted by today's aero-engine Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies is the match between customer demands and the operational capabilities of the MRO shop. Currently, the service contract is offered based upon experience and intuition rather than on scientific approach. This paper presents an integrated decision making framework to design contracts that considers demand and operational parameters. In addition to literature survey, the approach adopted in building the framework is a case study research, which obtains data from semi-structured interviews, observations and the company archives. Two main perspectives, dynamic operational parameters and shop floor operational parameters, were identified as essential and pertinent to the design and management of the service contract in the productisation context. The framework will incorporate both perspectives to support productisation.