Boeing Case Study

Abstract

Multimedia case studies have been shown to be an effective way of documenting and teaching

best design practices. This is a case study of the changes that the Boeing Commercial Aircraft

Company made in the way they design and build airplanes. The 777 is the first jet that Boeing

has created using this methodology. The changes were very dramatic and encompassed many

areas, including technical, organizational and administrative changes. Boeing is touting the 777

as more than just a product, but as a new process. Although the technical innovations were

numerous, what made the 777 project unique were the other changes Boeing instituted for this

design/build effort. It was the first 100% digitally designed and pre-assembled airplane made

by Boeing. Concurrent engineering, the concept of “Working Together”, was an integral part of

the new philosophy and nearly 240 Design/Build teams were used through-out the process. The

teams included design, manufacturing, customer and supplier personnel from the start.

Designing and building a new commercial jet airliner is a long, five to ten years, and infrequent,

one or two per decade, process. As such, it is crucial to document the design/build process for

future projects, especially one that had so many “firsts”. A multimedia case study is an ideal

vehicle for teaching engineers within Boeing as well as engineering students the design/build

process of a large and complex product. This case study is also useful as an example of the

process of changing an established system in a conservative company.

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Preliminary Draft

8/25/2013

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to Professor Agogino for suggesting the topic as well as providing guidance and

support throughout the project. Thanks to the current BEST lab members who provided me

with guidance in the preparation of the case study. And to all those previous BEST lab

members, whose work was invaluable as examples of completed multimedia case...