globalization

Over the past decades, circular economy has established itself as an important strategy for tackling sustainability challenges. Its holistic approach aims to use resources efficiently and minimize waste. This article aims to identify and evaluate the numerous challenges connected to the successful implementation and expansion of the circular economy approach. Economic, technological, social and political aspects are examined to provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of the strategy and its implementation. The article concludes that a successful circular economy can only be achieved through the coordinated cooperation of different stakeholders and the development of innovative solutions to the identified challenges.

The manufacturing of eyeglasses is a great example of customized mass production. Its globalization results in high data and product traffic, which can only be economical if the process allows a 100 % first time lens-frame fit. TH Köln developed a machine which prints viscoelastic polymer structures on machined glass edges. This method allows a five times lower accuracy in manufacturing and improves results in mechanical tension, optics and lens fit. It has shown to be highly successful with great potential in additional sectors.

In light of the three major global transformations of globalization, digitalization and sustainabilization industrial production faces new challenges and targets. On the one hand industrial modernization in the direction of digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0) has to cope with the new protectionist policies that have started in the United States as a countermovement to globalization. On the other hand, the new vocal demand for climate protection and environmental quality assurance puts pressure on the industry to align its policies with the demand for ecological modernization. It is essential that industrial policy makers include not only efficiency goals as targets for their investment plans but also environmental quality and social compatibility. Keywords:

As a consequence of globalized markets product development and engineering functions increasingly work in globally distributed teams. To overcome challenges of global engineering processes, leading companies employ IT applications for storing knowledge centrally and accessing it locally. Typical IT applications however are not sufficient for engineer-to-order products, i.e. products that are engineered and built to the particular specifications of a customer. This paper explores on the example of a large elevator manufacturer how knowledge-intensive tasks can be coordinated and executed globally, efficiently combining the distinct capabilities of distributed engineering sites.

Today, globalization is on the top of CEO’s agenda. Both, the unparalleled potential to grow into new markets as well as boosting the competitiveness of production are great opportunities making the globalization of production an imperative for successful companies. However, the risk and the complexity of that task require a dedicated approach to design, implement and manage the company’s network. Therefore, the article describes a basic project concept, major milestones and a promising scope of action for global production management.

globalization, production network, global supply chain, key success factors for global competition

Standardized information on clients, staff, suppliers and products that is processed in the company`s systems and can be consulted at any moment are the capital of each company. The data must always be kept up-to-date: to make strategical decisions, to overlook supply chains and to offer the best customer service. Companies cannot accept global challenges without running an efficient Masta Data Management system.