1. NPD Case Example Analysis of Toyota’s Principles of Set-Based Concurrent Engineering

2. General Information
The article acknowledges the success of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and the lack of general information available on the Toyota development system.
The article provides information on the “set-based” concurrent engineering (SBCE) approach that underlies the Toyota development system.
The Toyota SBCE approach considers a broader range of possible designs and delays certain decisions longer than other auto makers and yet may have the fastest and most efficient development cycle.
The article provides an overview of Toyota’s SBCE approach including information on its context and the principles upon which it is based.

3. Working Session Request
Working group members are requested to review the article and to identify specific activities that form a part of the SBCE process.
Working groups are then to identify the key participants and develop a 4-fields model of the Toyota SBCE methodology for product development.
Prepare an SBCE 4-fields map in a form suitable to present to other course participants.
Prepare a list of pros and cons you identify with using the Four- Fields Process Map to describe the NPD process.