Gm Ped Case Study Essay

General Motors: Packard Electric Division

David Schramm, the chief engineer for Cable and Component Design in the Packard Electric Division is faced with a timely decision concerning the future of the new RIM grommet. David has to decide if he wants to pursue the RIM grommet implementation into his customer’s 1992 product line of vehicles, or delay the product until there is more confidence behind it.

David Schramm’s difficulty in making a decision stems from the internal disagreement that exists between development parties and the high risk and uncertainty that is involved with the RIM grommet’s development.

Internal Disagreement

As a result of conflicting viewpoints, David Schramm has some potential doubt in the success of the RIM grommet. On one hand, the product development engineers stand behind the choice to develop the RIM grommet and implement it into the 1992 vehicle line. These product development engineers believe that the RIM grommet is simpler to redesign (when applicable), reduces the complexity of the initial feed-through system, the RIM has a chance of being shared across other models, and would ultimately be cheaper in the long run.

On the other hand are the manufacturing engineers that believe the IHG is still capable of providing adequate leak protection. One engineer, Kitsa Airazas argues that the only necessary test is the splash test which the IHG can still pass. In their discontent, component designers argue that manufacturing wants to stall the idea of RIM. This ultimately causes David Schramm to question the RIM grommet and leads him to have more difficulty in making a sound decision.

Risky Endeavor

Development of the RIM grommet carries with it a high level of risk. As with any other type of new technology in the market, there are many complications with regards to product development and equipment handling. In particular, there are three risks that stand out more than others.

1. Materials handling...