A study of the Chinese shipyard management control system.

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of the Chinese shipyard management control system. The paper starts with a presentation of the current control system in use in Chinese shipyards. Next an explanation of how this control system evolved is offered using the- institutional and resource dependency perspectives. From 1947 until 1980 when China produced ships for domestic use only, a resource dependency perspective provides a good explanation of the shaping of the control system. When China shifted to export production in 1981, however, it is necessary to shift to an institutional perspective to present the most accurate portrayal of the control system's evolution. Finally, the paper points out that the shipbuilding organization's goals have again changed, and proposes that a resource dependency perspective best explains recent control system changes. The paper also predicts this perspective to hold for future control system development.