A Cross-functional Teams Concept for Managing Projects in Delivering Make-to-Order (Customized) Products
Biel, Tomasz (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025111027493
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025111027493
Tiivistelmä
The case company of this thesis has been facing a growing number of make-to-order product orders. Yet, to manage these orders successfully, the case company needed to improve the process of delivering make-to-order products in conjunction with standard product sales, which makes the biggest share of its revenue. To address the challenges in make-to-order product delivery, this thesis embarked on a journey of exploring the concept of cross-functional teams.
The study utilized applied action research and conducted qualitative data collection to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the current process of delivering make-to-order products. The next step was to explore literature in relation to the concept of cross-functional teams and best practices for implementing them in an organization. Based on the findings mentioned previously, a conceptual framework was formulated and an initial proposal drafted in co-creation with key stakeholders.
The proposal for cross-functional teams concentrated on three areas: first, building inter-departmental collaboration that relies on standard communication standards. Second, outlining the project manager's duties and responsibilities during the make-to-order process. Third, proposing the integration of IT tools for a process that utilizes the existing ones within the organization (with no additional investment required). Furthermore, the thesis developed the plan for implementing a cross-functional team in the organization. With the study's outcome, the organization can integrate cross-functional teams to manage make-to-order product delivery in its existing organization.
The study utilized applied action research and conducted qualitative data collection to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the current process of delivering make-to-order products. The next step was to explore literature in relation to the concept of cross-functional teams and best practices for implementing them in an organization. Based on the findings mentioned previously, a conceptual framework was formulated and an initial proposal drafted in co-creation with key stakeholders.
The proposal for cross-functional teams concentrated on three areas: first, building inter-departmental collaboration that relies on standard communication standards. Second, outlining the project manager's duties and responsibilities during the make-to-order process. Third, proposing the integration of IT tools for a process that utilizes the existing ones within the organization (with no additional investment required). Furthermore, the thesis developed the plan for implementing a cross-functional team in the organization. With the study's outcome, the organization can integrate cross-functional teams to manage make-to-order product delivery in its existing organization.