Development of Technical Service as a business area for a product-oriented company


Authors: Niels Skovby Rahbek
Supervisors: Niki Bey, Tim C. McAloone and Teit Anton Nielsen

Companies: Hempel.

Language: English

Masters Project
Danish Technical University, September 2011

Confidential report.



Abstract:

This project focuses on the complex problems related to developing Technical Service in the maritime business into a viable business area of its own for Hempel A/S. The main thesis is that moving the Technical Service offerings towards a more Product/Service System oriented approach can increase the revenue, but that the transition is hindered by a number of internal and external barriers. Information about current company practice has been gathered through interviews and review of existing company knowledge and procedures after which the findings are analyzed using the KJ-method. The primary problems are found to be related to culture and change readiness, as well as a lack of overall structure in the approach. The findings are synthesized into a six staged development model for the transition from a purely product oriented company into a Product/Service System oriented approach by the use of relevant theory; Change Management theory and Cultural Dimensions theory is used to provide guidance on how to reach greater involvement in the Customer Activity Cycle. The model provides means for identifying the current development stage of individual regions, and offers prescriptions on how the various departments of the company should act to reach the next stage. The outcome is evaluated in regards to the usability for Hempel, and its usability in other contexts outside the company. The model is considered to be usable internally in its current form, while some of its aspects could make it applicable externally in companies facing similar challenges with some modification. Discussions of the project result reflect on improvement opportunities due to the iterative nature of the model.

Report cover