Auswirkungen von Komplexität auf die Performance von Produktionsgruppen

• Effects of complexity on the performance of production groups

Latos, Benedikt Andrew; Mütze-Niewöhner, Susanne (Thesis advisor); Nitsch, Verena (Thesis advisor)

Düren : Shaker Verlag (2020)
Book, Dissertation / PhD Thesis

In: Schriftenreihe Industrial engineering and ergonomics 37
Page(s)/Article-Nr.: iv, 306 Seiten : Illustrationen, Diagramme

Dissertation, RWTH Aachen University, 2020

Abstract

The increase in complexity in production systems represents one of the major challenges for manufacturing companies. In this dissertation, possible effects of complexity on the performance of production groups are examined. Six studies are carried out, which build on each other in terms of content and methodology and thus cover a complete research process from the initial definition of key concepts up to the derivation of design recommendations for operational practice. Within the exploratory phase, a qualitative interview study is conducted in order to identify drivers of the phenomenon of complexity in digitalized work systems. Based on two systematic literature studies, the state of research on (1) complexity models and (2) group performance models in the context of production systems is examined in a structured way and the existing research deficit is pointed out. On the basis of the preliminary studies, a hypothetical model is developed to explain the performance of production groups. The model includes different complexity dimensions in addition to known influencing variables from team research. The operationalization of the latent variables is carried out with a further qualitative interview study. The group performance model is empirically evaluated in a questionnaire study (n = 455) using the method of structural equation modelling. On the one hand, the results of the statistical analysis show that there is a positive relationship between task complexity and group performance, which is mediated by the quality of teamwork. On the other hand, a negative relationship is identified between the complexity of group design and group performance, which is also mediated by the quality of teamwork. The findings are used to derive specific recommendations for the complexity-related design of group work in production. In addition, a metric to capture the complexity of the work process of production groups is developed and evaluated in a simulation study. The metric is applicable in early planning phases of production systems. The resulting complexity level for the production group can be used for a comparative analysis of organizational design options. Furthermore, the effects of different group qualification profiles on the complexity level or performance of a production group can be assessed.

Institutions

• Chair and Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics [417110]