The development of complex systems projects in the aeronautical industry: the case of integrated management applied to the program Embraer 170

Abstract

This paper is aimed at analyzing the development of complex systems in the aeronautical industry, focusing on the Embraer 170 aircraft project. Complex products have a common set of characteristics: i) high unitary cost, ii) high engineering intensity, iii) developed to address specific demands from consumers, and iv) require high capacity of integration of knowledge and abilities. It is important to note that the dynamics of the integrator company (which develops and assembles the final product) is founded in the logic of its own supply chain framework. Furthermore, other characteristic is the high internationalization of suppliers, which are globally located. It is important to emphasize the fact that many of these suppliers are actually partners in the production and conception of the aircraft. Actually, the innovative dynamics of the integrator company is related to the capacity of management of P&D, shared among the company and its partners. This research was carried through during the years of 2000 and 2001. The interviewed public was selected taking into account the integrator company’s logic of production (namely: project management in the integrator and its partners).