Paper # 2 Ford Hybrid
09/13/2012
Abstract
Which stages of the project life cycle are evident in the case study?
Did Martens select the right two project managers in Patil and Wright?
What are toughest challenges faced by the project manger’ during a high visability and high risk project?
Would you like to have been involved with the Ford Escape Hybrid project?
Paper # 2: Ford Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid program was the midterm step of the company’s steps of sustainability. The program was included in the company’s long-term plans for more than two decades. The program in the past decade accelerated rapidly due to increased pressure from recently enhanced EPA regulations for improved gas mileage and pollution standards.
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Hybrid Project personnel Decisions The task of managing a project of the magnitude Martens was assigned could either fail, succeed. The scope of the job contains extremely complex engineering feats combined with a rigid timeline. The only path for success was to find a project manager well versed in both aspects of the project. Instead Martens decided to split the responsibilities of the project with two managers with different experience and subject matter expert qualities. Patil was brought his PhD scientific experience to the table. While Wright brought the can do spark plug approach to the project. The two will be instrumental in the projects outcome (Salter 2004).
Challenges
This type of project required an organized approach to working out side of the normal confines of Ford’s production models. The bench mark for success is not in comparison to other previous projects. Large scale engineering designs had been implemented in the past, but never a machine with dual means of propulsion. The company had already announced release of the Hybrid and the whole world was waiting to see the outcome (Tierney 2005).
Member of the Team Having the opportunity to be part of a team steeped in innovative engineering tradition would be an honor for anyone in the automotive production industry. The overall project requires more than just strong management, designers, and engineers. The entire project requires
Hidan, L. (2011). Project management and engineering issues. Annals of the University Dunarea De Jos of Galati: Fascicle XIV, Mechanical Engineering. (1), pgs. 57-60
The author first explains what a hybrid is, stating “A hybrid is a cross between two established varieties of plant, animal… or technology.” She introduces the hybrid vehicle, a new form of technology that stands as a possible answer for a vehicle that is both energy preserving and safer for the environment. Before she dives into details of how the vehicle works, she enlightens the reader on what the article is about and the objective of the hybrid vehicle. Students enrolling in an engineering course in a post-secondary institution will be more
Ford and Chevrolet (Chevy) are in the automotive industry and have been in completion for many years start back in 1908, both companies started in the state of Michigan and have been battling it out for profits, market share and hometown bragging rights. Ford was founded in the suburb of Dearborn, Michigan and Chevy was founded in Flint, Michigan.
Since the twentieth century, America has dominated the car industry business. Automobiles have made a major influence in the society and the economy of America ever since. Especially when Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company, developed two of his inventions, Model T and Model A, flourished into a big success around the 1900’s. Nonetheless, the culture we live in today is influenced tremendously by the advanced technology we created, and it grants industries new opportunities that may evolve the automobile business as we know it.
I own a Ford truck. So I know what I am talking about when I speak on this subject. I agree with the Ford Truck commercials. The best selling, best built trucks in America. I really can't speak to the quality of today's Ford truck, however. With all the changes in the industry, changes within Ford itself, not to mention today's disposable society...
- Electronic Fuel Injection: This scenario is an optimistic scenario for hybrid cars adoption. In this scenario 100% of the market will eventually adopt the hybrid car. This scenario predicts that the growth will start out slow, until there is a breakthrough in technologies that make the hybrid car even more efficient and affordable to the struggling class. When the breakthrough occurs there will be an accelerated growth and eventually the hybrid car will become the norm with 100% of the market will be adopting the car.
A number of hybrid vehicles have been built and tested since 1980. Some of these vehicles have impressed analysts with their performance and low levels of exhaust and petroleum consumption. Interest in hybrid vehicles jumped in late 1993 with the announcement of funding for
Henry Ford was an engineer from Detroit, Michigan who had an idea. By 1902, Ford had attempted several times to produce a gas powered vehicle, but with little capital, he realized that his attempts were futile. Ford approached a man by the name of Alexander T. Malcomson about the possibility of manufacturing an automobile. Malcomson, a friend of the family and wealthy coal merchant was reluctant at first but finally agreed with Ford, and decided to assit Ford financially with his endeavor. With Malcomsons investment and Ford's engineering skills a partnership was formed and in mid June of 1903, papers of incorporation for the Ford Motor Company were filed in Dearborn, Michigan.
Ford Motor Company, American automotive corporation founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and 11 associate investors. (htt28) It is the multinational corporation and the world's third largest automaker based on worldwide vehicle sales. The Company operates in two segments: Automotive and Financial Services. Automotive includes Ford North America, Ford South America, Ford Europe, and Ford Asia Pacific Africa region. Financial services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Other Financial Service. The Company manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. Its automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. Other Financial Services includes a range of businesses, including holding companies and real
1. A Mild-Parallel hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine that is equipped with an electric motor, both in parallel configuration, meaning they both provide propulsion to move the vehicle forward. This configuration allows the gasoline engine to be shut off while coasting, braking or being at a complete stop yet will restart with minimal delay.
A highly popular muscle and sports car, the Ford Mustang functions as a daily driver, weekend warrior, and a show winning work of mechanical art. Whether someone just needs a basic transportation to get from point A to point B, an eight second quarter-mile beast, or a show stopping work of power and beauty, Ford has produced a Mustang for every need.
process BMW had to launch a reengineering task force who was responsible for meet a bold target of for slashing product
These cars operate from a rechargeable battery and gasoline. The engines are smaller so that they will be able to accommodate the 99% of time when the car is not going uphill or accelerating quickly. The battery is used to give extra acceleration power if needed. When the car is stopped, hybrid gasoline motors can shut off and run off their electric motor and battery. These cars are aerodynamic and the tires are often stiffer and inflated higher to reduce dragging.
The increasing numbers of sub-model cars can also affect the brand quality through increasing any risk issues once launched to the public. Furthermore, according to (Stephen, 2004) Mercedes customers have high expectations about the high quality promised by the company. In 2003, the company disappointed many customers when they sold over 2000 vehicles with an extra option for a navigation system, which were not ready to be delivered at the right time, also accompanied by other mechanical issues. On the other hand, the company made an announcement about its new high quality hydraulic breaking system, which increased its competitiveness in terms of safety and quality against other competitors in the industry.
Ford’s dream was to produce a moderate priced, reliable, and efficient automobile, which came with the Model T in 1908.3 A company that started out small, now had over half of the car owners in America driving the Model T.1 It was easy to operate and maintain, it also handled good on rough roads. It was the most popular automobile in history, and over fifteen million were sold. With the Model T, Ford achieved his goal to make reasonable priced cars for the average person. 2