Schedule adherence in a naval shipyard : a case study

Abstract

In this research, the author documents the process of production management employed in a naval shipyard in seeking adherence to schedules during the non-nuclear portion of the overhaul of nuclear submarines. In addition to recording the process details for those who may learn from them in the future, the -author also demonstrates some of the problems confronting managers in all naval shipyards. The author first profiles the history, mission, and organization of the activity chosen for the research, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, then develops the process constraints of estimated cost, schedule, personnel resources, and authorized work packages for an individual ship. The discussion then shifts to a detailed description of the management aids used to monitor and assess overhaul progress and of the techniques employed, using these aids, to seek schedule adherence on several ships simultaneously. The research concludes with a summary of the total process and suggestions for further research.