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A review of modular strategies and architecture within manufacturing operations

Doran, D., Hill, A. (2009) A review of modular strategies and architecture within manufacturing operations. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 223 (1). pp. 65-75. ISSN 0954-4070. (doi:10.1243/09544070JAUTO822) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:63414)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1243/09544070JAUTO822

Abstract

This paper reviews existing modularity and modularization literature within manufacturing operations. Its purpose is to examine the tools, techniques, and concepts relating to modular production, to draw together key issues currently dominating the literature, to assess managerial implications associated with the emerging modular paradigm, and to present an agenda for future research directions. The review is based on journal papers included in the ABI/Inform electronic database and other noteworthy research published as part of significant research programmes. The research methodology concerns reviewing existing literature to identify key modular concepts, to determine modular developments, and to present a review of significant contributions to the field. The findings indicate that the modular paradigm is being adopted in a number of manufacturing organizations. As a result a range of conceptual tools, techniques, and frameworks has emerged and the field of modular enquiry is in the process of codifying the modular lexicon and developing appropriate modular strategies commensurate with the needs of manufacturers. Modular strategies and modular architecture were identified as two key issues currently dominating the modular landscape. Based on this review, the present authors suggest that future research areas need to focus on the development and subsequent standardization of interface protocols, cross-brand module use, supply chain power, transparency, and trust. This is the first review of the modular landscape and as such provides insights into, first, the development of modularization and, second, issues relating to designing modular products and modular supply chains.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1243/09544070JAUTO822
Uncontrolled keywords: Electronic database; Future research directions; Interface protocol; Journal paper; Key issues; Managerial implications; Manufacturing operations; Manufacturing organizations; Modular architectures; Modular concepts; Modular development; Modular paradigm; Modular production; Modular products; Modular strategy; Modularity; Modularization; Operations; Product architecture; Research areas; Research methodologies; Research programmes; Strategic options, Manufacture; Modular construction; Research; Supply chains, Supply chain management
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Kent Business School - Division > Department of Analytics, Operations and Systems
Depositing User: Desmond Doran
Date Deposited: 14 Sep 2017 14:13 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:24 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/63414 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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