本研究聚焦於總工程師制度在產品開發流程中的關鍵作用，並結合精實研發（Lean Product & Process Development, LPPD）的核心原則，探討其在技術創新、跨部門協作、資源配置及市場需求平衡等層面的實踐價值與挑戰。傳統開發模式常面臨部門目標分散與資訊斷裂導致效率低落，而總工程師制度，強調單一責任與跨部門整合；結合精實研發理念，可提升產品開發效率與市場反應力（Ohno, 1988；Womack & Jones, 1996）。以美國福特汽車第六代Mustang為研究案例，採用質性研究法，運用紮根理論進行系統性編碼，旨在探討總工程師制度如何以領導與整合能力驅動創新與競爭優勢，在精實產品開發三大系統中的角色與功能，並建構其行為邏輯與制度模型。
研究資料來源為 James Morgan 與總工程師 Dave Pericak 之公開 Podcast 訪談逐字稿，並輔以紀錄片與媒體專訪進行三角驗證，以補足單一資料來源之限制。本研究並未親自進行原始訪談，所有資料皆為公開之多元媒體內容，透過轉錄、編碼與比對，進行理論建構與驗證。
研究結果顯示，總工程師在產品開發歷程中整合人、流程與技術三大系統。並進一步以選擇性編碼歸納出三條核心故事線：一、以願景驅動的價值領導，如展現熱情、堅持信念與使命感，形塑團隊文化；二、穩定高效的組織執行力，包括制度化問題解決、同步整合與風險承擔；三、顧客導向的產品實現路徑，強調市場洞察、品牌策略與跨部門協作。這些行動特質對於推動開發流程具關鍵作用，也說明總工程師制度如何成為整合產品價值與組織行動的中樞機制。
本研究不僅對總工程師制度與精實研發整合提供實務洞見，亦建構具理論參照價值的系統模型。面對未來全球市場快速變化與數位化技術的挑戰，企業需提升總工程師的領導能力，結合智能化工具與精實研發理念，推進產品開發模式之效率與精準性。，並提供未來實務導入與理論探討的參考方向。

This study focuses on the critical role of the Chief Engineer (CE) system in the product development process and explores its practical value and challenges across technological innovation, cross-functional collaboration, resource allocation, and market responsiveness by integrating core principles of Lean Product & Process Development (LPPD). Traditional development models often suffer from fragmented departmental goals and information silos, resulting in inefficiencies. In contrast, the CE system emphasizes single-point accountability and cross-departmental integration. When combined with LPPD, it enhances development efficiency and market adaptability (Ohno, 1988; Womack & Jones, 1996).
Using the development of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang as a case study, this research adopts a qualitative methodology grounded in grounded theory, aiming to examine how the CE system leverages leadership and integration capabilities to drive innovation and competitive advantage. The study analyzes the CE’s roles and functions within the three core systems of lean product development and constructs an integrated behavioral and institutional model.
The primary data source is the publicly available podcast interview transcript between James Morgan and Dave Pericak (Chief Engineer of the 2015 Mustang project), supplemented by documentary films and media interviews for triangulation, addressing the limitations of a single data source. No original interviews were conducted; all data are drawn from public multimedia sources and were systematically transcribed, coded, and analyzed.
The findings reveal that the Chief Engineer plays a pivotal role in integrating the human, process, and technical systems during the product development journey. Through selective coding, three core narrative lines are identified: (1) vision-driven value leadership, including passion, conviction, and team culture building; (2) high-efficiency organizational execution, such as standardized problem-solving, synchronized integration, and risk ownership; and (3) customer-oriented product realization, emphasizing market insight, brand strategy, and cross-functional coordination. These leadership behaviors are central to enabling product value creation and coordinated team action.
This study not only offers practical insights into the integration of the CE system and LPPD but also establishes a theoretically grounded system model. As global markets and digital technologies evolve rapidly, companies must continuously strengthen CE leadership, integrate intelligent tools, and apply lean principles to improve development precision and efficiency. The study also provides a foundation for future practical implementation and academic exploration of the CE system.

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