A Case Study of Org Learning at EDS - Abstract
o were the initiators of the LLC project. EDS
selected two Strategic Business Units, that participated in LLC, to be the in-depth
targets of the research. They were the Health Care Strategic Business Unit in Plano,
Texas and the North American Vehicle Platform Strategic Business Unit in Detroit,
Michigan. The interventions focused on the management and LLC participants of each
of these three orgainzations. Peers, subordinates and supervisors of LLC participants
were also interviewed about their perceptions of LLC. Fred Kofman, of the OLC at MIT,
was interviewed as the developer and leader/teacher of the program. Thirty-five
interviews were completed. A week was spent at the EDS facilities in Plano, Texas,
a week was spent at the EDS facilities in Detroit, Michigan and a day was spent in
Detroit attending the NAVP staff meeting, where we observed the results of LLC and
participated in some LLC exercises.
The thesis first reviews the LLC concepts, provides a brief company history of EDS
and describes the research methods utilized. The LLC project is evaluated using
Roth's structure of project history, strategy, selection, preparation, implementation
and outcomes. A review of general lessons discovered is included with a conclusion.
Thesis Supervisor: Professor Robert B. McKersie
Title: Society of Sloan Fellows Professor
Copyright © 1995 Diane M. Fries and Robert A. Kruse Jr.
All rights reserved.
Acknowledgements
The authors hereby grant to MIT permission to reproduce and to distribute publicly paper and electronic copies of this thesis document whole or in part.
