Metso Paper Globalization Of Finnish Metal Workshops Case Solution

1. How did TASMAN become strategically important?

TASMAN was an important stride in company’s plan, integration of business operations and communication, as its aim was to provide a platform for information. With TASMAN, company enforced its primary strategy of open and wide communication, as it provided an informational infrastructure to present right and accurate information to make right decisions. This project coordination was important to support global competitiveness as the global competition was become stringent with less delivery time and superior quality. It made the overall process prompt by providing all related documentation for design decision, engineering changes and contact detail of each stakeholder at a centralized location. Addition to that, with the introduction of TASMAN, critical information related to events was provided fetched from a central location (McAfee, 2006). It facilitated project manager to be well aware of happenings. It increased competitiveness of Metso by supporting features like benchmarking a process performance, tracking causes for project failure, and providing the insights for further improvement.

TASMAN was not only used internally, but it also made remote sharing of information possible, by features like email (McAfee, 2006). It enhanced record keeping and information was stored such, that it was easy to find. Because of such an efficient system it became easy for each member to be well aware of the project details so supported a proactive approach towards that project. With this, it ensured every stakeholder to be on the same page. So, it can be said that TASMAN played a part of process integrator, amalgamating; mates, departments, external groups and customers. This integration brought in a clear picture of the demands, needs and wants of every stakeholder, making them realize and fulfill their primary roles. In other words, it facilitated information sharing, to support its process of customer focused approach. As, it help in understanding clear customer expectations, developing product as per those expectations and last, but not the least, delivering services.

2. How did management attitudes and decisions regarding IT facilitate the transformation of Metso from a local metal factory to a global, high technology manufacturer? 

Managements’ decisions related aggressive employment of IT solutions to deliver performance played a significant part in achievement of its mission of a global operator. In order to go global and compete in that environment, it was important for Metso so go IT focused. Without this, it would have been impossible to integrate all of its operations and deliver values in strict time schedules. In order to be successful, management has always been proactive in decision making and acquiring technologies. So, it changed its focus from product focused to customer and knowledge focused organization (Ross & Weill, 2002). With this focus, it inculcated attitude of being a novel and value adding organization. This transformation started with the acquisition of Rauma as it added fiber and flow control technologies.