An idiographic study of the relationship between organizational structure and the successful implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies in those companies exhibiting best practices

The purpose of this study is to answer the question: Is there an optimal team structure for implementing advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs)? A company's organizational structure may be a barrier to its ability to implement an AMT. Determining whether or not a corporation's AMT implementation team structure is a limiting factor in the success of the AMT is the central thesis of this dissertation.;Using data taken from the Center of Excellence for Best Manufacturing Practices surveys and drawing on organizational structure research from various authors, the author discovered a potential relationship between the organizational structure and ability to implement new manufacturing technologies. Three hypotheses were developed around this concept. These hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square and shown graphically to be rejected. Given there was a 90% rate of team use with 75% having ATS traits, the conclusion is drawn that the ATS is potentially and organizational structure to use for successful AMT implementation. One might try to draw the conclusion that those companies organized in teams are more successful at implementing advanced manufacturing technologies than those that are not. However, since all of the data points used were from successful AMT implementations, this conclusion would be unfairly drawn.;Engineering management is typified by professional employees in high-tech organizations in competitive industries. Theory suggests that such industries must have a thorough knowledge of behavioral theories, organization structure, and systems which successfully make use of this knowledge. Engineering managers are typically put into positions where they must direct these "knowledge workers." In order to meet organizational goals of successful AMT implementation, engineering managers must ensure their "spans of control" are organized in such a way as to allow for successful AMT implementation.;It is up to engineering managers to ensure new manufacturing technologies are implemented successfully for their companies. Knowing which way to organize their project teams before having to implement AMTs may give engineering managers the edge needed to succeed.