The use of ICT tools to support collaborative product development activities: evidences from Brazilian industry

Daisy Valle Enrique,Alejandro Germán Frank,Lilia Gzara,Mateus José Do Rêgo Ferreira Lima,Néstor Fabián Ayala,Giuliano Almeida Marodin

doi:10.1590/0103-6513.20170099

Abstract

Abstract Paper aims This paper aims to understand the relationship between Information & Communication Technology (ICT), collaborative New Product Development (NPD) and customer satisfaction (NPD performance). Originality We target the relationship between ICT, collaborative NPD and NPD performance. ICT is assessed as a set of specific tools adopted by the companies. Research method We test the mediating role of collaborative practices in the effect of ICT tools on customer satisfaction (as NPD performance) by means of a survey of 105 Brazilian firms. Main findings Collaboration with customers and suppliers has an important role for customer satisfaction and the use of ICT has significant effect on NPD performance through the mediating role of collaborative practices. Implications for theory and practice Implementing only ICT tools is not enough to achieve higher level of success in NPD. Managers should first strength the relationship between stakeholders and then adopt ICT tools to support the cooperation.

Highlights

Collaboration with stakeholders is an important aspect of new product development (NPD) management
We presented a quantitative survey about the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to support collaborative NPD practice and the impact that this has on one aspect of the NPD performance, which is customer satisfaction
We showed that there is a sequential positive effect where collaborative NPD practices mediate the relationship between ICT tools and customer satisfaction as a metric of NPD performance

Summary

Introduction

Collaboration with stakeholders is an important aspect of new product development (NPD) management. Literature defends that a higher degree of collaboration may promote several benefits, for instance: cost reduction (Sjoerdsma & Van Weele, 2015), reduction of time to market (Ragatz et al, 2002), knowledge transferring and skills improvement among partners (Frank et al, 2015; Frank & Echeveste, 2012) and improvement on product quality (Primo & Amundson, 2002) Such collaboration has gained a notable relevance due to changes that happened in recent years in terms of firm’s innovation patterns. To sustain the market demands, firms are being required to develop stronger links and higher levels of communication with their stakeholders in order

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion