"The EngD has benefited me greatly because I can now prepare and present compelling arguments for changes in the business processes some of which have changed the overall way in which Airbus works with its suppliers. I have also got much more confidence when presenting to large groups of people."

Christine Fowler, Head of Worldwide Suppliers Integration, Airbus

 

 

 

Christine completed her part-time MSc in Engineering Business Management at WMG before enrolling on to the EngD programme. Her EngD concentrated on the use of digital data, and in particular the Digital Mock Up (DMU), as the mechanism for concurrent design to manufacture with both internal and external teams. The result was a robust DMU which could be shared with Airbus and supplier teams to speed up the design decision process. Additionally the DMU could be used in non design engineering areas such as manufacture, customer support and procurement.

Christine has worked at Airbus for just over eight years and began on the A380 programme. Her current role within Airbus is Head of Worldwide Suppliers Integration. In this role, she is responsible for enabling all Airbus suppliers to use IT/IS in the development of the Airbus products. Christine was successful in being selected for this role because of the work that she performed with suppliers during her EngD, and the knowledge she gained through research into the use of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools to enable global working.

"The EngD has benefited me greatly because I can now prepare and present compelling arguments for changes in the business processes some of which have changed the overall way in which Airbus works with its suppliers. I have also got much more confidence when presenting to large groups of people."

Christine Fowler, Airbus