Peer Review

403: The NUMMI story

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Oct 27, 2014 by Business

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The material is a case study in the form of, what appears to be, a radio broadcast. There is no video that opens with the audio. A transcript of the audio is available. The presentation focuses on the relationship between auto makers Toyota and GM, the NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.). This is a story of a failed attempt to transform American manufacturing. The case documents the process that brought about the project and what happened.
Type of Material:: It is a "web-based" transcript with both written transcripts along with a video available for all to review.There is an audio version that may be downloaded at iTunes or Amazon for $.99.
Recommended Uses:: This could be used in conjunction with lessons about organizational behavior, labor relations, operations management, in conjunction with a written case study on the NUMMI project to help with the understanding of what went on. Additional areas include operations, leadership and productions; anyone aspiring to the operations management profession, and anyone interested in continuous improvement.
Technical Requirements:: Basic audio replay capability in a PC. Does not appear to require video capability.Tested on Internet Explorer version 11, Firefox version 5; a wifi connection would also provide access.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The audio presentation appears to provide business students with a picture of how the US automobile industry, specifically GM, tried to make changes, how Toyota tried to provide a US auto maker with a process for producing better, cheaper cars. The key issues appear to be lack of cooperation, poor management, union issues, production quality, organizational behavior all in the process of production, quality (TQM, etc.)
Target Student Population:: This is recommended for senior level undergraduates and graduate students at the introductory level.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: A general understanding of organizational behavior, operations, labor relations, quality management, strategic and operational planning.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Clear, easy to understand audio. Very adaptable to Podcast, etc. Transcript available. Can be presented in three sections (prologue, two acts of approximately 25 minutes each. The facts are effectively presented.
Concerns:: The audio is long. No associated video.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: Due to the detail and story-telling approach, this provides the real background about what transpired in the NUMMI project. This approach provides an effective understanding of the breakdowns that occurred and lessons on what not to do for leadership and long-term planning.
Concerns:: Again, no video or indicated associated written case study.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Very easy to use, click on the icon and the audio begins. Click on the 'transcript' and the transcript of the audio opens up, click on download and a window to download to iTunes or Amazon opens.
Concerns:: None Observed.

Other Issues and Comments:: The audio provides a fairly clear picture of what went on with the NUMMI project by providing a narration and actual interviews and audio of participants.
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