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| Reviewed: |
Feb 13, 2010 by Business Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
The material takes the form of a three-part interactive online case study. Part 1 provides a “clickable” introduction to Just in Time (JIT), "a combination of organizational techniques and practices of production aimed at serving the customers at the desired time and with the amount and the quality that is required." Part II presents an animated diagram of push vs. pull systems. Part III takes the participant on a virtual tour of the Ford plant in Almassufes (Valencia, Spain). The tour depicts the 14 phases of JIT and illustrates the application-oriented considerations of each phase via interviews with plant employees as well as visual depictions, charts, and notes.
The case study author is Jose Luis Fernandez of the IE Business School, and the case study is distributed under a Creative Commons License. The estimated time for reviewing the case study materials is 90 minutes. |
| Learning Goals: |
a. Learners will understand the origins, philosophy, and objectives of Just in Time (JIT).
b. Learners will understand how to apply the steps in a JIT process. |
| Target Student Population: |
Undergraduate and graduate students in management & business |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
Previous courses or experience in the field of management would enhance comprehension. |
| Type of Material: |
Interactive Online Case Study |
| Recommended Uses: |
The case study provides experiential support for reading and lectures in JIT. Recommended uses would include: a) in-class or online discussion of the case; b) a homework assignment in which students critique or answer questions about the case. |
| Technical Requirements: |
Adobe Flash Player, Windows Media Player |
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| Strengths: |
This case study provides a great learning experience that offers an interactive, application-oriented, multimedia approach. Because the Ford plant is located in Spain, the case study also offers an international perspective. |
| Concerns: |
The printable documentation indicates that the case study was updated in 2008. However, course instructors should be sure to provide students with additional subject matter updates as necessary. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
Engaging and interesting presentation of JIT. The virtual tour of the Ford plant in Almassufes provides an excellent “real-life” field trip. |
| Concerns: |
The case study does not identify particular learning objectives, and it does not suggest discussion questions or assignments. However, the case study is in-depth and clearly has been developed to provide an illustration of JIT processes. Instructors could easily write discussion questions or homework assignments to assist students in further exploring the presented concepts. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
The simulation offers a high-interaction opportunity for students.
The virtual tour and interviews bring JIT processes to life.
All interviews in the case study are associated with scripts, and a “printable documentation” link on the homepage allows students to print the entire case study. |
| Concerns: |
To ensure comprehension, instructors should provide instructions for students (e.g., how to get around in the case study, particular areas to emphasize or note, etc.).
The case study contains several minor typographical errors. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
Interactive, multimedia case studies such as this one are wonderful contributions to the classroom experience. The material provides an excellent opportunity for engaging students in the learning process. |
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