899
Views
52
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

The effect of integrated product development on efficiency and innovation

Pages 2789-2808 | Received 01 Oct 2004, Published online: 22 Feb 2007
 

Abstract

This study tested the effect of integrated product development (IPD) on the efficiency and innovation displayed in new product development (NPD) projects. IPD refers to the overlap, parallel execution, and concurrent workflow of activities. More than 600 employees from 62 R&D projects in one large hi-tech electronics organisation participated in the study. The degree to which the projects had actual IPD, innovated and worked efficiently were measured using the organisation's data collection system and questionnaires. Analysis was conducted at the project level. Seven regression models, as well as multiple comparison tests, were applied. The findings suggest that IPD is positively associated with efficiency and negatively with innovation. However, the trade-off between efficiency and innovation in NPD projects can be balanced, if the IPD level of implementation is tailored to the NPD project stages. Specifically, to successfully complete an NPD project, the emphasis in early stages must be on innovation so that it can assist teams seeking new ideas. Hence, management should implement a low level of IPD at this point. In later stages efficiency must be emphasised so it assists control, and co-ordination, and consequently, IPD should be implemented intensively.

Notes

Additional information

Notes on contributors

E. Naveh Footnote*

Email: [email protected]

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.