Management aspects of a globalised production

摘要

In recent times about every day company mergers and acquisitions are announced for gaining a better position in the dawn of globalisation. By becoming a global player a company deals with different economically developed regions being linked to each other with an increasing exchange of products and services. Especially products are affected by regional technical, economical or demand peculiarities - despite the companies' intention to create a world-wide standardised product. To sustain that tension between localisation and globalisation DaimlerChrysler brand Mercedes-Benz is focusing on both: The world-wide unique brand image in terms of quality and superior performance as well as a regional touch by establishing plants and sales subsidiaries and localising the product according to technical requirements. But this regionally tailored approach is triggering a tremendous challenge for Mercedes-Benz: To encapsulate the "Made in Germany"-philosophy within the term "Made by Mercedes-Bez". Since it needs a constant effort to reach that target Continuous Improvement (=CI) and Knowledge Management (=KM) are one of the core methodologies to sustain and transfer know-how across different regions to guarantee the quality and spirit of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.