Thesis defense of Alaitz Kortabarria

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Thesis defense of Alaitz Kortabarria

THESIS

Thesis defense of Alaitz Kortabarria

Title of the thesis: Analysis of the performance of Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning on supply chain management: A multiple case study. Obtained the SOBRESALIENTE CUM LAUDE rating.

2018·11·23

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  • Title of the thesis: Analysis of the performance of Demand Driven Material Requirements Planning on supply chain management: A multiple case study
  • PhD programme: DOCTORATE PROGRAMME IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • Thesis director: Unai Apaolaza Perez de Eulate
  • Court:
    • President: Victoria Rodriguez Chacón (UNIVERSIDAD DE NAVARRA)
    • Vocal: Itziar Gurrutxaga Gurrutxaga (EHU-UPV)
    • Vocal: Alberto de la Calle Vicente (Universidad de Deusto)
    • Vocal: Jose Alberto Eguren Egiguren (Mondragon Unibertsitatea)
    • Secretary: Itxaso Amorrortu Gervasio (Mondragon Unibertsitatea)

Abstract

In 2011, the Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP) methodology was published with the goal of increasing material and information flow to enhance the competitive advantage of manufacturing and distribution companies. Many research works have developed models to simulate the behavior of DDMRP. Nevertheless, there were no studies found in the literature that analyzed the implementation of DDMRP in a company. The present work therefore, analyzes the performance of three companies after converting from MRP to DDMRP, and the impact of this process on competitive advantage.

To achieve an in depth understanding of the case studies a qualitative approach was taken. Data was collected from semi-structured interviews, documents and archival records. The results from before and after the implementation of DDMRP were compared, and the evolution of the performance of each company was evaluated. Finally, a cross-case study was carried out.

The results clearly show that using DDMRP increases visibility in the supply chain by reducing considerably the bullwhip effect and rush orders. Importantly, the inventory level of the studied companies was reduced while material consumption was increased. At the same time, the companies were able to maintain nearly 100% service level.