Improving Production Ramp-Up Through Human Resource Methods

Abstract

This article provides an overview of selected human resource (HR) methods that have implications for the management of ramp-up phases. Based on the specific challenges within production ramp-up, the following six HR methods and corresponding instruments are outlined: knowledge management, competency modeling, reward systems, leadership development, employee selection, and team development. Each method is briefly described and suggestions within the context of ramp-up management are provided. This overview supports ramp-up managers' selection of HR methods that have the higher goal of improving ramp-up performance.

However, the practical implications of these HR methods are not clear, because empirical literature about the application of HR methods within the context of production ramp-up is limited. Further empirical research on the effects of specific HR methods on ramp-up performance, as well as detailed descriptions of the respective application and related expenses, are required to understand and evaluate their contribution.

• competency modeling
• employee selection
• knowledge management
• leadership development
• managing ramp-up
• organizational development
• reward systems
• team development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ina Heine

Ina Heine obtained her master's degree in work and organizational psychology from Maastricht University, Netherlands, in 2012. She is currently working as a research assistant at the Chair for Metrology and Quality Management of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and writing her doctoral thesis. Her research interests include organizational culture, human resource methods, human performance, and leadership. She can be reached by email at [email protected].

Patrick Beaujean

Patrick Beaujean is head of the Department of Quality Management at the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) where he is responsible for the international cooperation with the German University of Technology (GUtech) in Oman on behalf of RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His research interests include quality-oriented organizational development and higher education structures in an international context.

Robert Schmitt

Robert Schmitt is a professor of metrology and quality management at the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and since 2005 he is member of the board of directors at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT. He received his doctorate degree from the faculty for mechanical engineering at the RWTH Aachen University in 1999. His main research interest is production-related metrology and communications engineering in an automatized environment.

Rwth Aachen

Ina Heine obtained her master's degree in work and organizational psychology from Maastricht University, Netherlands, in 2012. She is currently working as a research assistant at the Chair for Metrology and Quality Management of RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and writing her doctoral thesis. Her research interests include organizational culture, human resource methods, human performance, and leadership. She can be reached by email at [email protected].