Principles Of Product Development Research Articles

Lean implementation in product development processes: a framework proposal

The implementation of lean principles in product development (PD) activities has been receiving increased attention lately. However, it is not clear how the application of these principles to PD activities enhances their effectiveness. Moreover, the implementation of lean principles is more difficult to achieve in PD activities than in the shop-floor context. The objective of this paper is to develop and implement a framework applying lean principles to the PD process. To that end, an action research project was conducted in the R&D department of an industrial company. This article presents and describes a six-step framework, its challenges, and main results. The implementation of the framework led to gains in the efficiency of the product development process through a 20% decrease in waste. Improvement measures such as standardisation, clear identification of roles, prioritisation of activities and improved efficiency of meetings were the main drivers for the gains in efficiency. Overall, three main contributions should be highlighted: the role a knowledgeable lean project leader can play; employee training focused on the implementation of lean-based product development activities; and team building and communication.

The Design of Interactive Training for Digital Transformation: A Practice-Oriented Case Study

Hybrid approaches to new product development are blurring the boundaries between established models, such as Lean, Stage-Gate and Agile. The actual implementation of the principles of these archetypical approaches seems to be contingent to the features of the product to innovate and the organisation in which the product development effort is made. This paper investigates how Lean, Agile, and Stage-Gate product development principles can foster the design, development and delivery of a training program for digital transformation in a knowledge intensive business service that delivers training by relying on a simulated, highly-realistic, digitalised business environment. The conception and execution of a new training program requires a new product development effort since it significantly departs from the current offering of the training provider and involves the coordination of multiple stakeholders. Through a practice-oriented case study methodology, this investigation examines whether a hybrid organisational method is a viable approach for new product development and assesses its practical feasibility and effectiveness.

A New Product Development Model for SMEs: Introducing Agility to the Plan-Driven Concurrent Product Development Approach

In order to survive in today’s highly competitive global market, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have had to transition from sequential to concurrent product development, which significantly shortens development cycles, reduces costs, and ensures high product quality. Despite its many benefits, concurrent product development is still based on detailed upfront planning and cannot address the challenges related to today’s ever-growing uncertainty, constantly changing environment, and unstable requirements. A potential solution to this problem could be in more flexible and value-driven agile project management (APM) approaches, typical of software development. In this paper, we propose a new product development model specifically appropriate for SMEs that combines concurrent product development principles with APM elements. It is designed as a loop of five repetitive steps (macroplan, microplan, iteration activities, review, and retrospective) that are being executed within individual concurrent development loops. The application of the model is presented on a real case example of process development and small batch manufacture of a complex wiring harness. The study reveals many benefits of the proposed model, such as improved communication, faster detection of discrepancies, more effective problem solving, and greater flexibility. A positive impact on project success is also observed.

Lean Maturity Assessment in ETO Scenario

The obligatory path towards a lean manufacturing organization requires assessment and monitoring. However, a lean assessment framework is not yet available for the engineer to order (ETO) scenario. This work explored ten lean ETO maturity principles—identified from the literature—that take insight from three formally defined sets (Toyota Way, lean construction, and lean product development principles). A practical assessment model was proposed based on the evaluation of ten lean ETO objective criteria (four with mathematical formulation) and was validated on a real industrial case. A problem-solving tool, including a new lean tool, called the Problem Focus Matrix (PFM), was also presented; this tool was aimed toward development of an integrated framework that would include the organization mission, management, and continuous improvement.

Digital Product Perception and User Satisfaction Relationship: Can They Create Feedback Intention?

Agile product development principles emphasize user collaboration and continuous improvement. It sometimes bothers users if they have less time, commitment and knowledge to become involved in the lengthy process of product development. Giving online feedback could be another way of contributing to product improvement. However, not all users are willing to leave reviews on online platforms. This study attempts to uncover the factors behind user feedback intention and the relationship between user roles in an agile approach. The questionnaire was completed by 113 respondents from all over Indonesia who have knowledge and experience in using digital products. The data was processed further by applying the PLS-SEM technique using the SmartPLS 3 application. The proposed model supported the positive influence of product perception on user satisfaction, and user satisfaction’s positive impact on feedback intention. Product perception is the first-order construct of attitude and perceived usefulness; meanwhile, perceived quality is influenced by product perception. This study's theoretical contribution sheds light on the relationship between user satisfaction, perception and feedback intention. Moreover, it provides practitioners practical implications towards understanding how to gather user feedback to support the initial idea in product improvement using an agile approach. Keywords: Agile product development, digital start-ups, feedback intention, product perception, user satisfaction

Digital Design as a Key Approach to Shortening MEMS Development Cycle

A comparative analysis of new product development principles in microelectronics, mechanical engineering, and MEMS production is carried out. A MEMS integrated digital modeling approach is proposed based on the formation of a knowledge base, including a description of basic structural elements and basic tested process sequences for their manufacture.

Assessment of critical material attributes of polyethylene oxide for formulation of prolonged-release tablets

Physicochemical evaluation of polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymers with various molecular weights was performed at molecular (polymeric dispersion) and bulk level (powders, polymeric films, and tablets) with the aim of specifying polymer critical material attributes with the main contribution to drug release from prolonged-release tablets (PRTs). For this purpose, grades of PEO with low, medium, and high viscosity were used for formulating PRTs with a good soluble drug substance (dose solubility volume 15 ml). The results revealed a good correlation (r2=0.88) between in vivo data (pharmacokinetic parameters: Cmax and AUC) and the elastic property of PEO films determined with the nanoindentation method, demonstrating that film level can also be used for the in vivo prediction of drug dissolution. The study confirmed that polymer molecular weight and its viscosity are the most important critical material attributes affecting drug dissolution (in vitro) and in vivo bioavailability (e.g. Cmax and AUC). Our research revealed that the nanoindentation technique can distinguish well between various types of polymers, classifying PEO as the most ductile and polyvinyl alcohol as the most brittle. Finally, our study provides an approach for the determination of exact physical attributes of PEO as a critical material attribute from clinically relevant data, and it therefore fulfills the basic principles of product development by Quality by Design.

Genetic Parameters in the Initial Phase of Collaborative Plant Breeding in Lima-Beans (Phaseolus lunatus)

Participatory genetic improvement is a component of the management of genetic diversity, aiming at the systematic inclusion of farmers' knowledge, skills, experiences, practices and preferences. This modality of improvement is based on the knowledge of conventional genetics, physiology and economics, combined with those of anthropology, sociology, knowledge of the producers and with the principles of product development. The development of participatory strategies in the improvement of different crop species in the farmers field involves some fundamental aspects such as: rescue of different species and of different varieties within each species, valorization of local varieties, development of new varieties, valorization of cultural aspects and nutrition, agroecosystem management, agro-ecological crop systems, adaptation to the local environment with increased production from participatory improvement. Initially a search was made for communities in the forest area of ​​Pernambuco, Brazil, which preserve, store and use native varieties. After the identification of the localities contemplated. The seeds were obtained in the municipality of Lagoa de Itaenga. The proposal was submitted to farmers living in the Marrecos community. At the same time, the importance of the conservation of local cultivars, the maintenance of the genetic identity of these genotypes, the importance of the isolation of the cultures, mainly the Creole ones and the practice of the participatory improvement were also treated. In addition, seed samples were collected and stored by the farmers, for later implantation of the germplasm bank (in vivo) at the Federal Institute of Pernambuco. At the time of collection, the forms of storage adopted by farmers were observed, being of great relevance for the guarantee of the genetic reserves of the crops. The experiments were conducted in a phyto-bacteriology laboratory and in a greenhouse of the Department of Agriculture of the Federal Institute of Pernambuco (IFPE) in Vitória de Santo Antão-PE. The plants were cultivated in the field in an organic cultivation system. The results showed that there is genetic divergence, based on agro-morphological markers, among fava varieties studied as a function of germplasm origin. Thus, samples from the Germplasm Collection of IFPE-Camps Vitoria correspond to different materials. The existence of genetic divergence among the varieties indicates the possibility of selection of superior genotypes. The evaluated characteristics present high potential to differentiate the genotypes and should serve as parameters for other studies.

Kiribati Game Development: Cultural Transmission, Communities of Creation, and Marketing

The people of Kiribati play a broad assortment of card and board games. The game rules show several innovations that were made outside the purview of the games’ manufacturers. The presence and regional development of proprietary board games illustrates product development scenarios that are counterintuitive to marketers. Using game boards and game rules collected in Kiribati, this study offers an explanation on how game development in Micronesia can be understood using cultural transmission theory by locating the Republic of Kiribati both geographically and economically within the Pacific Islands economies and their communities and within their own anthropological context. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding regional and country-specific cultural practices when applying principles of product development, placement and distribution.

Biomimetics in Production Organization – A Literature Study and Framework

Biomimetics is an established field in research and industry. Current approaches focus on the use of biological principles in product development, while large potentials have also been identified for transferring organisational principles from nature to production organisation. This study gives a comprehensive overview of existing literature and illustrates that only fragmented research is being conducted at present. In order to enable systematic translation into methods that are available to practitioners, a framework is developed which allows the body of literature to be structured and potential fields not being researched at present to be identified. It also points out that some biological principles receive more attention in research approaches and practical implementation in production organisation than others. Furthermore, correlations between biological principles and principles in production are identified that there have already been successful translations of biomimetic approaches to production organisation. On the other hand, it suggests that there are numerous promising approaches only described in an initial paper that need further research before they can be implemented in practice.

MASS CUSTOMIZATION ENABLEMENT THROUGH LEAN DESIGN & SET-BASED CONCURRENT ENGINEERING APPLICATION

This research, which is an expanded version of a paper presented at the XVII SIMPOI - Symposium of Production Management, Logistics and International Operations, purported to discuss the concepts of mass customization in the automotive industry and how the use of lean principles in product development enables a profitable Design and Production customization. The results of a case study performed at an automaker plant in southern Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, proved the efficiency of the company practice to develop simultaneously multiple concepts for each mechanism or Project detail, with substantial increase in design reliability, reducing redesign, cost, and development time, although cultural barriers were found.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv7n2p124-139URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv7n2p124-139

Balance between Lean and Sustainability in Product Development

Companies require tools to change towards a new way of developing and producing innovative products to be manufactured considering the economic, social and environmental impact along the product life cycle. Based on translating Lean principles in Product Development (PD) from the design stage and, along the entire product life cycle, it is aimed to address both sustainability and environmental issues. The drivers of sustainable culture within a lean PD have been identified and a baseline for future research on the development of appropriate tools and techniques has been provided. This research provide industry with a framework which balance environmental and sustainable factors with lean principles to be considered and incorporated from the beginning of product design and development covering the entire product lifecycle.

Lean product development principles and practices

The purpose of this paper is to analyze articles about Lean Product Development. The works were classified according to principles and practices, the countries that have the applications, the sectors where it is being applied, the journals that publish articles about the issue and other relevant factors. In conclusion, the article presents a table of the authors and practices used. The methodology was a search on Emerald Insight and ISI Web of Knowledge, resulted in a universe of 289 articles published between 2007 and 2011. This paper synthesizes the trends in the literature and the results that are being obtained from the lean product development approach. The results showed that electronics, auto industry and capital goods sectors are those with the most lean product development practices presented in the articles. In terms of methodology, case studies predominate. The countries with the most applications are the United States and the United Kingdom. The lean approach is not always cited directly, in many situations the practices are applied in an isolated manner, given that in 77% of the work a direct connection was found with a lean method. In relation to the practices, the five most common were Simultaneous Engineering-Integration, Process Standardization, Early Supplier Involvement (ESI), Learning Network and Voice of Customer (VOC). Could be observed by the paper's originality that even with many studies in the field, there is still a gap to be explored, which is that there are no indicators to manage the new product development process. Thus, it explores the state of the art about Lean Product Development practices and principles, providing a definition of concepts and a framework for benchmarking to later evaluate how lean are Product Development Processes at the companies.

On the application of lean principles in Product Development: a commentary on models and practices

Over the past decade, attempts have been made to apply lean principles to improve capabilities in Product Development (PD). However, methodologies from lean production are not directly applicable to PD. It is, therefore, desirable to establish a deeper understanding of lean PD as a basis for development of a generic framework. This paper gives an overview of lean PD followed by a discussion on its key component: defining (customer) value. Findings from prior art have been systemised into a framework that includes six key components, along with an assessment tool that has been used with select companies to identify areas where lean PD would provide the greater potential for payback. Examples of results from these analyses are given.

Creating options while designing prototypes: value management in the automobile industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a general valuation model for the optimal design of the product development process, exemplified by automobile development. Underpinning this model is the identification of key business processes, which are analyzed in order to explain firm‐level efficiency advantages stemming from the design of the technical system.Design/methodology/approachBased on the case studies and literature on the role of organizational capabilities in creating value for the organization, a novel real option valuation model for set‐based concurrent engineering (SBCE) was proposed.FindingsA numerical example demonstrates that it is possible for the optimal number of design alternatives to develop in parallel. Under certain circumstances, developing multiple design alternatives in parallel is shown to generate significant value, fully accounting for the increase in costs of doing so.Practical implicationsFive principles of product development are proposed as a managerial tool. These findings are aimed at both practitioners and academics and solve fundamental questions raised concerning optimal resource allocation within the development process.Originality/valueSBCE is shown to be structurally analogue to a multivariate contingent claim, thereby assigning a value to the underlying technical and organizational capabilities.

From open source in the digital to the physical world: a smooth transfer?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the transferability of the open source principles of product development from the realm of software to the realm of physical products.Design/methodology/approachBased on the inherent differences between software and physical products, a theoretical discussion of the challenges that face the implementation of open source principles in the physical world are provided. A multiple case study methodology is adopted to provide insights into the applicability of the open source concept in product development outside software.FindingsMany of the challenges identified theoretically are actually encountered in practice. To cope with these challenges effectively, hardware design activities can be translated into software development tasks, using programmable hardware. When dealing with open source projects in the physical realm, it is useful to distinguish between projects driven by commercial firms and those driven by individuals, as each project type can impose different conditions on successful implementation.Originality/valueAlthough much scholarly attention has been devoted to open source software, the issue of transferability of the identified principles to other industries has undergone little in‐depth research. This paper provides a solid foundation for further investigation of this topic based on theory and empirical case examples. It derives recommendations for industrial experts wishing to benefit from the open source model in new product development.

A cost-based methodology for evaluating product platform commonality sourcing decisions with two examples

As more US companies source tooling development and manufacturing overseas in countries like China and Taiwan, are the need and primary drivers for product platforms diminishing? As tooling cost is reduced to a very small percentage of the total project cost, combined with availability of inexpensive purchased components and low labour rates, the need to develop product platforms can decrease substantially. Low cost outsourcing has given firms the ability to develop and manufacture products cheaply without having to spend the additional time and effort to develop product platforms and families. In this paper, two examples involving two consumer product companies and their product lines are presented. Product family components and estimated tooling costs are analyzed, as well as development timing and profit margins to demonstrate why companies are moving away from product platforms in certain types of consumer products. A novel methodology using component commonality decisions relating to major cost drivers is introduced and applied to both examples. Based on the evidence from the examples presented in this paper, there appears to be little financial or functional benefit to develop product platforms that share common components or subsystems when these products are being manufactured offshore; however, even when considering outsourcing, platform-based product development principles can still yield tangible improvements in production costs over the life of the product.

Evaluation of the Physical and Psychological Functions of an Existing Child Patients' Garment in a Hospital Environment in Hong Kong, China

The research reported in this paper evaluated the weaknesses of an existing child patients' garment and generated ideas to develop a new practical garment to be used in a hospital environment in Hong Kong, China. The design procedure was based on the principles of product development, with the aim of achieving functions on physical and psychological aspects of the child patients during hospitalisation. The background of the investigation is one in which child patients are unwilling to wear the existing hospital garment. From the literature, a comfortable garment can be assessed by its physical and psychological functions. Accordingly, a hospital garment should offer child patients positive medical and perceptional comfort. Qualitative information was obtained from observation and focus-group discussion. It was decided that the design criteria of the existing garment, including style, size, fasteners, fabric, and colour, should be evaluated through obtaining quantitative comments from child patients, nurses, and paediatricians in a questionnaire survey. The results showed that most of the respondents had negative attitudes towards the existing design criteria, and these led to their reluctance to wear or use the hospital garment. Further, requirements on physical and psychological aspects of the garment were significantly different among different respondent groups, and thus useful ideas could be generated from each group; this paved the way to design a practical garment with optimum functions.

Ordinal quantification of the concept of technology through pooled consensus

This paper explores the possibility of combining multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis with the Delphi method to allow for the ordinal quantification of important attributes of technology. To demonstrate implementation of this method, 18 scientists and managers, with 227 pooled years of relevant industrial experience, were asked to assess the application of several pharmaceutical drug delivery technologies to particular prescription (Rx) and over‐the‐counter (OTC) products. Study participants were only asked to think about variables intrinsic to the concept of technology (here, differentiation, sophistication, and development cost) and to assume exogenous variables such as price as background constant. For comparable sets of technology‐product combinations participant evaluations were used to assess the following pilot MLR model in which:Market share = a +βd Differentiation +βS Sophistication +βc Development Cost.For OTC products, Differentiation, and to some extent Sophistication, were found to be the most important significant independent variables. For Rx products, Sophistication was the major significant independent variable. These findings make sense considering that OTC products are sold directly to end users whereas Rx products are dispensed through physicians or pharmacists.Further studies are warranted to see if given the statistical superiority of pooled consensus over individual forecasts, the method described here might also be used to help choose revenue‐maximizing products and to discover relevant product development principles.