Managing organizational change Case study. Rockwell International Space Systems division

Rock-well Space Systems division initiated a process to facilitate change throughout the organization, and more specifically within the engineering function. The objective of its efforts is to maintain product quality while dramatically reducing both costs and schedule flow time to insure its position in the spacecraft industry. Its approach to making change uses efforts of other businesses and industries, and takes advantage of a widely utilized model called the McKinsey Seven S's model. It attempts to create a total cultural change, focusing on all aspects of the work place, rather than limiting its attention to just another restructuring. By using the Seven S's and involving much of the management staff. It hopes to institute the kinds of changes that will maintain its preeminence in the design, integration, and operations of large space structures and transportation systems. The article discusses the company's approach to managing change, the process and progress involved.