Product Development Process Research Articles

Advancing the software development process through the development of technology-enabled dynamic capabilities in a project-based firm: insights from action design research

PurposeThis study aims to extend the dynamic capabilities (DCs) perspective to the project management context. The authors present supporting evidence for analyzing the creation process of DCs during the redesign of the software development process, and they examine the impact of those capabilities on organizational performance and transformation.Design/methodology/approachAn action design research approach, combined with simulation and qualitative analysis, is adopted to examine the emergence of technology-enabled DCs supported by their microfoundations and the modernization of the software development process in the target firm.FindingsAnalyzing the successful internal transformation of a software development company that was facing a slow and inconsistent product development process reveals the effectiveness of extending the DC perspective to a project-based setting. The implementation of a new project methodology and the introduction of an innovative document-handling system facilitated the renewal of the company's software development process. This led to improvements in lead time and total costs, resulting in enhanced project performance as well as customer and employee satisfaction.Practical implicationsThis study draws managerial attention to the microlevel activities of technology-enabled DC formation, such as precise calculations, external expert consultations and tool deployment.Originality/valueBy applying the sensing–seizing–transforming framework with concomitant microfoundations in a longitudinal way, this article explains the role that technology plays as the basis for DCs and analyzes the cost–benefit balance of DC development in project-based organizations.

The role of digitalization along new product development processes: the case of a servitized firm

The role of digitalization along new product development processes: the case of a servitized firm

Integration of Local Cultural Knowledge in the Community Products Design and Development

integration of local cultural knowledge in community products through the framework of cultural capital and wisdom across eight categories. A qualitative method involved in-depth interviews with 30 individuals, including 15 entrepreneurs and 15 cultural experts selected from five target communities. The findings reveal the context of local cultural knowledge available in the communities, and the integration of local cultural knowledge being integrated into the community product development processes. It is also found that despite the presence of diverse local cultures, these cultural resources are underutilized in product design and development due to a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the significance of product identity.

Fit models’ roles in identifying fit issues in the apparel technical design process and implications for improving 3D virtual fitting

Fit sessions are essential in making well-fitted clothing. During these sessions, apparel fit is determined iteratively by a team of designers, technical designers, fit models, and merchandisers. With the advent of the digitalization of new product development processes in the fashion industry, fit sessions have been seen as a bottleneck for they are still held in person. However, the process is currently still irreplaceable, and what makes the feedback provided by fit models important is an area that has never been tapped. Therefore, the present study aimed to understand fit models’ role in fit sessions as well as how they assess the fit of garments and deliver their feedback. On-site observation during fit sessions and individual interviews with fit models were conducted. It was found that fit models gave comfort, fit, and tactile comments by testing garments while standing and moving between several postures. They had knowledge that overlapped with those of technical designers and designers and this empowerment enabled them to take part in the decision-making process in fit sessions. It also was found that fit models’ feedback on garments was essential as they were the first people to try on the garments and present the customers’ points of view.

A growth-based screening strategy for engineering the catalytic activity of an oxygen-sensitive formate dehydrogenase.

Enzyme engineering is a powerful tool for improving or altering the properties of biocatalysts for industrial, research, and therapeutic applications. Fast and accurate screening of variant libraries is often the bottleneck of enzyme engineering and may be overcome by growth-based screening strategies with simple processes to enable high throughput. The currently available growth-based screening strategies have been widely employed for enzymes but not yet for catalytically potent and oxygen-sensitive metalloenzymes. Here, we present a screening system that couples the activity of an oxygen-sensitive formate dehydrogenase to the growth of Escherichia coli. This system relies on the complementation of the E. coli formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) complex by Mo-dependent formate dehydrogenase H (EcFDH-H). Using an EcFDH-H-deficient strain, we demonstrate that growth inhibition by acidic glucose fermentation products can be alleviated by FHL complementation. This allows the identification of catalytically active EcFDH-H variants at a readily measurable cell density readout, reduced handling efforts, and a low risk of oxygen contamination. Furthermore, a good correlation between cell density and formate oxidation activity was established using EcFDH-H variants with variable catalytic activities. As proof of concept, the growth assay was employed to screen a library of 1,032 EcFDH-H variants and reduced the library size to 96 clones. During the subsequent colorimetric screening of these clones, the variant A12G exhibiting an 82.4% enhanced formate oxidation rate was identified. Since many metal-dependent formate dehydrogenases and hydrogenases form functional complexes resembling E. coli FHL, the demonstrated growth-based screening strategy may be adapted to components of such electron-transferring complexes.IMPORTANCEOxygen-sensitive metalloenzymes are highly potent catalysts that allow the reduction of chemically inert substrates such as CO2 and N2 at ambient pressure and temperature and have, therefore, been considered for the sustainable production of biofuels and commodity chemicals such as ammonia, formic acid, and glycine. A proven method to optimize natural enzymes for such applications is enzyme engineering using high-throughput variant library screening. However, most screening methods are incompatible with the oxygen sensitivity of these metalloenzymes and thereby limit their relevance for the development of biosynthetic production processes. A microtiter plate-based assay was developed for the screening of metal-dependent formate dehydrogenase that links the activity of the tested enzyme variant to the growth of the anaerobically grown host cell. The presented work extends the application range of growth-based screening to metalloenzymes and is thereby expected to advance their adoption to biosynthesis applications.

A novel model to estimate the structural properties of PLA-FFF components along any non-orthogonal direction

Purpose This study aims to present and evaluate a novel analytical model to predict the structural properties of parts fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) along any non-orthogonal direction. Design/methodology/approach A new analytical model to estimate the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of polylactic acid (PLA)-FFF parts fabricated in any non-orthogonal build orientation, is proposed. The new model is based on an ellipsoid, two angles that define the orientation with respect to the build axes, the infill value and the structural properties along the build axes. The proposed model is evaluated by comparing the UTS and E properties predicted by this model, with the results obtained from experimental tensile tests on PLA-FFF specimens manufactured using variable infill values and non-orthogonal build orientations. Findings The proposed model is able to predict with good precision the structural properties of PLA-FFF parts along any direction and infill value. Research limitations/implications Although the study and results are limited to the UTS and E tensile properties of PLA-FFF components, the model may be extended to other materials or similar additive manufacturing processes. Practical implications The new proposed model is able to determine the structural properties of FFF components in any direction, so it can be used during the design process of FFF parts, reducing the need for experimental tests and speeding up the product development process. Originality/value Existing models to predict the structural properties of FFF components are limited to orthogonal build orientations (X, Y and Z); however, the new proposed model is able to predict the tensile properties in any direction and infill value. In addition, a new set of experimental data about the structural behaviour of PLA-FFF parts along non-orthogonal build orientations is provided, extending the existing results in the literature.

Hand-arm vibration analysis of Caeski: a communication device for deafblind persons

Assistive technologies can improve greater participation in society and sociocultural experiences. A communication device for deafblind persons, called Caeski, is an assistive technology that allows independent communication between two deafblind persons or between deafblind and non-deafblind persons using vibrating keys. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of hand-arm vibrations (HAV) emitted by Caeski to check if this will be harmful to users. The vibrations emitted by the Caeski’s keys were analyzed from data provided by a triaxial accelerometer, positioned over the fingers of a sample of seven deafblind individuals. The obtained data are within acceptable limits set by International Health and Safety standards – ISO 8041, ISO 5349-1 and European Directive 2002/44/EC – on the physical risk of vibration. Safety is part of the product development process. It was possible to demonstrate that the proposed technology is not harmful to users and can be used safely.

Research of the calculation formula for working clearance leakage flow of the hydrogen circulation pump

The hydrogen circulation pump (HCP), a device for recovering unconsumed hydrogen gas in fuel cell systems to improve efficiency, is an important equipment in fuel cell systems. Efficient calculation of the output flow rate of the HCP is crucial for accelerating the product development process, but there is a lack of an effective calculation formula for the working clearance leakage. In this paper, a series of HCP models with different working clearances are established and calculated using an overlapping grid simulation method, verifying that the traditional Roots blower leakage flow formula is feasible for HCP, although the maximum calculation error reaches 10.71%. Further study the pressure distribution law inside the HCP chamber, and revise the traditional calculation formula accordingly, so that the average calculation error of the series models is reduced from 5.75% to 3.82%, and the maximum error is also reduced to 7.73%. Compared with the prototype test data, though the flow values obtained from the two calculation formulas are slightly higher, the calculation error of the correction formula is relatively smaller. The research results indicate that the correction formula can more accurately predict the flow rate of HCP and has important application value.

Development of a coupled process - design numerical model for an automotive assembly

Abstract The product development process is a very challenging one, especially in the case of the automotive industry. The actual constructions require performance and quality while focusing on mechanical performance, lightweight and cost-effective. Thus, the virtual development stage is critical. Once the product is validated according to its geometrical definition and features, it is necessary to evaluate its mechanical performance. This process is usually performed using numerical simulation methods. In this paper, the numerical process performed for the validation of a safety part is discussed. As a specific feature, the assembly is finished using a riveting process. The manufacturing process’s influence on the assembly’s mechanical performance is further investigated. A discussion of the methods available for the design validation summarizes the finding of this specific work.

Early Supplier Involvement Challenges in New Product Development Projects: a Bibliographic Overview of Lean Production in the Automotive Industry

Abstract The research is based on a literature review focused on early supplier involvement in new product development processes while working towards Lean production, especially for the automotive industry, where all actors must be fast and accurate. For practitioners, early supplier involvement is a topic that deserves serious attention since it impacts on decentralisation, promoting gains in quality, quantity, and execution time, as well as cost reduction and/or the acquisition of technical knowledge in developing products and production processes. The authors first introduce the key concepts, issues, and theoretical foundations concerning early supplier involvement challenges and new product development within organisations that affect their core processes and outsourcing strategies when seeking collaboration to develop more sophisticated technologies that a new product requires. The authors critically explore these issues, especially concerning earlier supplier involvement and its connection to the Lean philosophy, pursuing process tunning, considering production quantity, quality, and time, as well as avoiding penalising interruption within the automotive industry. The study provides the first critical review of potential challenges for a successful early supply involvement and, consequently, a successful new product development process decentralisation and the acquisition of technical knowledge in developing products and production processes needed to satisfy customers.

Modularity and new product performance: the role of new product development speed and task uncertainty

Similar to the advantages of product modularity to a firm’s overall performance, new product modularity could provide advantages to the new product development process and result in its success in the marketplace. Accordingly, this study investigates the effect of new product modularity on its financial and market-related performance (new product performance). To identify processes underlying this effect, NPD speed and task uncertainty have been considered as its mediator and moderator, respectively. In this vein, survey data from 190 Iranian manufacturing firms have been gathered and research hypotheses have been examined using structural equation modelling and bootstrapping approach. The results of this study reveal that new product modularity improves NPD speed and new product performance. Additionally, NPD speed is found to have a partial mediating role between new product modularity and performance. Finally, this study empirically shows that the positive effect of new product modularity on new product performance amplifies in tasks marked by heightened uncertainty. The findings of the current study highlight the determinant role of modular strategy and NPD speed in developing successful new products.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TO IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS IN ANTI-AGING CLINIC USING SWOT APPROACH ANALYSIS AND BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS (BMC) APPROACH

Elderly individuals have a substantial risk of suffering from chronic diseases that require high medical costs, both financially and in terms of time needed. It is important to pay attention to the quality of life of the elderly to reduce the burden of dependency. PT X has opened an Anti-Aging Clinic with the aim of providing services in preventing the decline in cell quality (anti-aging) to enhance the productive activities of the elderly. The main aim of this research is to analyze the SWOT followed by Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value Proposition Canvas (VPC) analysis. The research method used is descriptive with a qualitative approach, and the data analysis technique uses SWOT including IFAS and EFAS, BMC analysis, and VPC. Data collection techniques include observation with documentary studies and secondary data. The Anti-Aging Clinic is in a hold and maintain position. The results serve as the basis for BMC mapping and VPC determination, especially in improving products and services. From its implementation, key activities are the main key to the clinic's management process that needs to be strengthened through market penetration and product development processes.

Factors affecting financial engineering and product development in Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose This study aims to analyze Islamic financial institutions’ (IFIs) current financial engineering and product development procedures. Design/methodology/approach The paper is quantitative in nature and the survey questionnaire were collected from managers and IF experts working for Islamic Banks, Takaful and other IFIs in Turkey, Malaysia and UAE. Two-stage structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis. Findings The findings highlighted that the Shari’ah Supervisory Board, Strategy and Planning of IFIs, Legal and Regulatory framework, pricing of a new product and financial performance positively impact the new product development (NPD) process. At the same time, Islamic values have no significant positive impact. Research limitations/implications When generalizing the research results, data collection from the right departments was the main limitation of the current study. Future research may opt to collect data only from Product Development Departments. Practical implications The findings of this study will allow IFIs to reflect on their present methods, procedures and Shari’ah compliance framework for the NPD process. Originality/value Factors affecting the product development and financial engineering process are discussed in the literature. The findings of this study can be regarded as building blocks for future academic research on product development and financial engineering in Islamic finance.

Innovative Prozessketten in der Produktion

Abstract The hybrid process chain, consisting of wire arc additive manufacturing and post-processing, is a promising alternative to many established process chains but brings new challenges to the product development process. In several research projects at the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb) at the Technical University of Munich, existing competencies in hybrid manufacturing are further developed. These research projects aim to enable hybrid manufacturing for new applications and to facilitate stable processes.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Fabrication of 3D Printed Technology in Pharmaceutical Development and Its Application

The concept of personalized medicine tailored to individual patients has garnered considerable attention recently, particularly in exploring the potential of 3D printing technology within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. 3D printing involves the layer-by-layer creation of three-dimensional objects from digital designs. This review aim to provide an in-depth discussion focusing on 3D printing technology, its role in drug delivery systems, and its application in the pharmaceutical product development process. Commonly categorized by material layering methods, 3D printers typically fall into inkjet, extrusion, or laser-based systems. The review delves into these different types of 3D printers and their diverse applications in drug delivery across various sectors. Additionally, it encompasses a selection of recent research conducted in the pharmaceutical realm concerning 3D printing for drug delivery applications and challenges. Keywords: 3D printed formulation, Laser based printing, inkjet printing, extrusion-based printing

Bina Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) “Kalpataru” Cetuskan Produk Unggulan Minuman Kesehatan Berupa Jamu

The initiative of the Women Farmers Group (WFG) "Kalpataru" in developing and promoting superior products based on health drinks in the form of herbal medicine. With a focus on the use of local and traditional ingredients, WFG "Kalpataru" seeks to introduce products that are not only beneficial for health, but can also improve the economy of group members. Jamu, which is an Indonesian cultural heritage, is processed with a recipe that has been modernized to meet the tastes and needs of today's consumers. This product combines traditional ingredients such as turmeric, temulawak, and ginger to create a health drink that is not only beneficial for health but also attractive to modern consumers. The herbal medicine produced is kencur rice, tamarind turmeric, butterfly pea kombucha and rosella kombucha. This study explores the product development process, from raw material research to marketing strategies. Through effective marketing strategies and education to consumers about the health benefits of the product, Bina WFG "Kalpataru" is committed to expanding market reach and improving the quality of life of the community through sustainable health product innovation.

Enhancing the performance of a additive manufactured battery holder using a coupled artificial neural network with a hybrid flood algorithm and water wave algorithm

Abstract This research is the first attempt in the literature to combine design for additive manufacturing and hybrid flood algorithms for the optimal design of battery holders of an electric vehicle. This article uses a recent metaheuristic to explore the optimization of a battery holder for an electric vehicle. A polylactic acid (PLA) material is preferred during the design of the holder for additive manufacturing. Specifically, both a hybrid flood algorithm (FLA-SA) and a water wave optimizer (WWO) are utilized to generate an optimal design for the holder. The flood algorithm is hybridized with a simulated annealing algorithm. An artificial neural network is employed to acquire a meta-model, enhancing optimization efficiency. The results underscore the robustness of the hybrid flood algorithm in achieving optimal designs for electric car components, suggesting its potential applicability in various product development processes.

DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING MATERIALS BASED ON REALISTIC ALGEBRA AND MEASUREMENT MATERIALS

Students' understanding of mathematical concepts still needs to improve. This problem will spread to other subjects because mathematics is necessary for solving various problems. This research aims to determine the product development process for realistic teaching materials for mathematics, algebra material, and measurement and the feasibility of product development according to expert assessments and responses from potential users. This research is an RND with a 4-D development model which includes Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate. The resulting product validator comprises three media, material, and discussion experts. Practitioner response testing was conducted on two 5th-grade teachers at Elementary School (SD) Muhammadiyah Sukonandi 2. The subjects for product testing were 5th-grade students at Elementary School (SD) Muhammadiyah Sukonandi 2. The instruments used in this research were questionnaires in the form of validation questionnaires, practitioner response questionnaires, and potential user responses. The assessment results from media experts scored 4.75 in the very good category, material experts scored 4.75 in the very good category, and language experts scored an average of 4.55 in the very good category. Practitioner response tests and user responses received very good responses.

Heterogeneously deacetylated chitosans possess an unexpected regular pattern favoring acetylation at every third position

Chitosans are promising biopolymers for diverse applications, with material properties and bioactivities depending i.a. on their pattern of acetylation (PA). Commercial chitosans are typically produced by heterogeneous deacetylation of chitin, but whether this process yields chitosans with a random or block-wise PA has been debated for decades. Using a combination of recently developed in vitro assays and in silico modeling surprisingly revealed that both hypotheses are wrong; instead, we found a more regular PA in heterogeneously deacetylated chitosans, with acetylated units overrepresented at every third position in the polymer chain. Compared to random-PA chitosans produced by homogeneous deacetylation of chitin or chemical N-acetylation of polyglucosamine, this regular PA increases the elicitation activity in plants, and generates different product profiles and distributions after enzymatic and chemical cleavage. A regular PA may be beneficial for some applications but detrimental for others, stressing the relevance of the production process for product development.

Greening the production of polymeric submicron particles by membrane-based manufacturing processes: A comparative analysis

The production of polymeric particles is the subject of extensive research in various fields and the interest in this area extends to the development of new sustainable production processes. The use of membrane technology has enabled the redesign of many traditional production processes with enormous impact in terms of product quality, reduction of energy consumption, high efficiency, productivity and reproducibility. In the present work, two alternative methodologies for the production of polycaprolactone (PCL) particles based on the use of membrane processes were investigated: i) membrane emulsification (ME) combined with solvent diffusion and ii) membrane nanoprecipitation (MN). ME/solvent diffusion is a widely applied technique for the production of microparticles, but its use for nanosized particles is still limited. On the other hand, MN is currently being investigated for its potentiality in the production of nanoparticles.In the present work, the performance of the two processes is compared in terms of: i) product quality (highly monodisperse particles in the nanometers range of size, ii) maximum productivity (expressed as mass of particles produced over time) under mild operating conditions (reduced mechanical stress), iii) environmental impact (assessed on the basis of the metrics established by the Green Aspiration Level (GAL)).