ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the findings in the case studies of the two component suppliers in the automotive sector, Creative Engineering and XZZ Components, both of which supply to manufacturers such as the Rover Group, Ford, Nissan, Honda and Toyota. The destiny of those involved on the supplier side of the automotive sector is inextricably linked to, and largely determined by, their ability to meet the exacting standards of the manufacturers in quality, cost and delivery (Bratton 1992, Womack et al. 1990). Survival is dependent upon gaining a deep understanding of this environment; otherwise the manufacturers’ choice of supplier can be changed. Given that change is a constant process in this sector, with ‘best practice’ often diffused between manufacturer and supplier, the approaches the supplier organisations adopt in order to capture the potential that such learning opportunities offer need to be examined.
