IDENTIFICATION OF KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AIMED TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND UP-GRADE VALUE ADDED WITHIN COMPANIES

Introduction Importance of process improvement is over two centuries continuous research challenge but in Romania national issues & global approach can rise new problems.

Research problem Nobody evaluated training needs in the field of process improvement. With respect to this problem, we’ve expressed the Purpose: Identification of training needs in automotive field concerning improvements since these are not easy to find if you are not part of the niche and market voice is subsequently hidden.

Methodology/approach Going back to on-site assessment means face-to-face interviews, covering the field of automotive producers - parts, components, assemblies and performing National inquiry on almost all Regions and all fields of processes and technologies.

Findings – For training and coaching it isn’t enough to ask for Human Resources to find out needs but also Purchasing and other Operational departments. Knowledge management maturity was found not reliable; process improvement projects are not really effective; waste is present and subsequently organization’s productivity is not appropriate.

Research limitations/implications – New approach in Romania, time consuming and logistically heavy to perform, complete state-of-the-art level.

Practical implications – Hands-on inquiry, interviews performed on over 2/two Years;

Originality/value – *Complex multidisciplinary assessment, performed on-site; *Holistic approach; *Paradigm change; *Process approach reviewed and changed into Project approach for Lean & QC Story appliances aimed to improve efficiency; agile base was considered as support.