Product Development Roadmap Research Articles

Prioritizing the product development roadmap of Zains SAAS using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

Purpose: This study aims to prioritize the development of Zains using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Research Methodology: focusing on the key factors influencing development priorities, and combines qualitative data from a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Board of Directors (BOD) of CNT and quantitative data from digital surveys. Qualitative data provide insights into strategic priorities, challenges, and development goals, while quantitative data obtained through the AHP method determine the relative importance of various criteria and alternatives. This study identifies the key criteria for product development, including market demand, financial impact, technological relevance, operational efficiency, compliance, and security. Affinity Diagrams and TOWS Matrix were used to analyze qualitative data from the FGD. The proposed alternatives include mobile application feature enhancements, AI-powered financial insights integration, and enhanced security features.The AHP results indicate that the integration of AI-powered financial insights is the primary alternative in the Zains development roadmap. Results: These findings provide insights for CNT to optimize the development of Zains and to maintain their relevance and competitiveness in the SaaS market. These recommendations are beneficial for other SaaS providers facing similar challenges.

Environmental assessment of an innovative adhesive for the footwear industry: road map for product development

PurposeThis work presents an environmental assessment of two adhesives to evaluate the replacement of the traditional adhesive (PU) used in the footwear industry by a novel adhesive based on a microencapsulation approach (PUMC) which is more favorable from the safety and technical perspectives. The PU adhesive is polyurethane-based, while the PUMC adhesive is polyurethane-based but with its isocyanate compounds microencapsulated, increasing storage life and reducing risks related to the exposure of workers with the adhesives.MethodsThe potential environmental impact of the adhesives was evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. A detailed process model was developed (both for laboratory and for a pilot-scale implementation) to investigate the environmental impacts associated with these processes. The functional unit was one kilogram of adhesive (PU and PUMC adhesives) produced. A cradle-to-customers’ gate approach was defined. The system boundary starts from extraction of resources, through material production, until adhesive use. This includes microcapsule production in the case of the PUMC adhesive. This study investigates the important drivers behind the environmental impacts to help guide commercialization efforts. A scenarios study/sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the response of the PUMC adhesive system to the variability of the model, scenarios, and parameters.ResultsThe results show that the PU adhesive environmental impact is due to acetone and polyol consumption in the production stage. In the PUMC adhesive system, acetone consumption and microcapsule production are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), dichloromethane (DCM), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) consumption are the major factors responsible for the environmental impact of the microcapsules’ production. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using three alternative scenarios focused on the reduction in material consumption and increase in material recuperation, as well as using an alternative renewable energy source. Although the traditional PU adhesive has a lower impact, it was found that the three alternative PUMC adhesive systems can become comparable to the traditional PU adhesive.ConclusionsThis study shows the advance and development of a new technology for microencapsulation of isocyanate in adhesives and its environmental advantages and disadvantages with respect to a traditional product that uses non-encapsulated isocyanate. Finally, it was shown that there is significant potential for minimizing some environmental impacts of the PUMC adhesive, such as optimizing the microcapsules’ production stage, increasing the production efficiency to decrease the required material consumption.

Roadmap for product development based on design for six sigma method

Purpose The Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology is one of the most important to achieving excellence in an organization’s product development process. This paper aims to propose a roadmap for product development based on the DFSS for the consumer durables manufacturing industries. The proposed roadmap presents a systematic approach to the phases of the product development process, integrating the statistical techniques and quality tools that should be used in each phase. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a detailed roadmap for product development, which was built by identifying gaps in the DFSS methods, based on previous studies on the subject. In this step, the opportunities are provided in all phases from creation to discontinuation of the product in the market. In addition, the roadmap presented was validated by team of stakeholders in the product development process of different industrial companies. Findings The proposed roadmap for the product development process based on six sigma design suggests a visual tool with sequential steps and techniques that allow you to follow the evolution of the development process from idea conception until the product is discontinued in the market. Identifying the priorities of organizations, especially the consumer, regarding the quality and reliability of the product. Practical implications The roadmap seeks to facilitate an understanding of the important stages of the product development process and to provide an approach to improving and optimizing the product before the manufacturing process step through the principles of DFSS methodology. This research provides a guide step by step to apply statistical techniques and quality tools in the product development process to achieve high quality and six sigma level in the manufacturing process. Originality/value The proposed roadmap of this research combines design for sigma and product development concepts, covering a wide spectrum of relevant activities that include the product development process, the application of statistical techniques and the design of high-quality durable consumer goods to match manufacturing technologies.

A Novel Respiratory Control and Actuation System for Upper-Limb Prosthesis Users: Clinical Evaluation Study

The most widely-used active upper-limb (UL) prostheses worldwide are body-powered (BP), which is a two-centuries-old technology. Despite their affordability and functional benefits to users, these devices are prone to poor outcomes for many patients. Additionally, BP devices have witnessed limited improvements compared to their externally-powered counterparts. Literature indicates a strong need for appropriate prosthetic solutions for children and adolescents. Our previous work introduced a first-of-its-kind breathing-powered UL prosthesis (“Airbender”) that can overcome several limitations of the current BP systems (e.g., restricted operation space, user discomfort caused by the harness to which the cables are attached). Users can regulate their breathing, and this controllable airflow is subsequently used to power a small (purpose-built and optimised) Tesla turbine that can accurately control the opening and closing of the prosthetic hand. The current work explores device usability in children and adolescents with a UL difference (n = 15). Further, we gathered feedback, suggestions and satisfaction levels from the study participants and their parents on breathing as a modality of controlling a prosthetic device. The collected responses and study observations were subjected to qualitative and statistical analysis. This study showcases real-world testing of a breathing-powered prosthesis and proves that UL-deficient children and adolescents can indeed operate the device (i.e., volitionally open or close) with their breathing input. The perceived level of difficulty in opening or closing the device tended to be on the ‘easy’ side. We report generally favourable feedback obtained from participants and their parents. Additionally, design suggestions and satisfaction levels concerning different device attributes help us involve the key stakeholders in co-creating and proactively developing a robust product development roadmap. This work is aligned with creating a step-change in the potential BP prosthetics options for patients in the future, propelled by a need-led approach.

Hot-Melt Extrusion: a Roadmap for Product Development.

Hot-melt extrusion has found extensive application as a feasible pharmaceutical technological option over recent years. HME applications include solubility enhancement, taste masking, and sustained drug release. As bioavailability enhancement is a hot topic of today's science, one of the main applications of HME is centered on amorphous solid dispersions. This review describes the most significant aspects of HME technology and its use to prepare solid dispersions as a drug formulation strategy to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. It also addresses molecular and thermodynamic features critical for the physicochemical properties of these systems, mainly in what concerns miscibility and physical stability. Moreover, the importance of applying the Quality by Design philosophy in drug development is also discussed, as well as process analytical technologies in pharmaceutical HME monitoring, under the current standards of product development and regulatory guidance. Graphical Abstract.

From Bit to Bedside: A Practical Framework for Artificial Intelligence Product Development in Healthcare

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare holds great potential to expand access to high‐quality medical care, while reducing systemic costs. Despite hitting headlines regularly and many publications of proofs‐of‐concept, certified products are failing to break through to the clinic. AI in healthcare is a multiparty process with deep knowledge required in multiple individual domains. A lack of understanding of the specific challenges in the domain is the major contributor to the failure to deliver on the big promises. Herein, a “decision perspective” framework for the development of AI‐driven biomedical products from conception to market launch is presented. The framework highlights the risks, objectives, and key results which are typically required to navigate a three‐phase process to market‐launch of a validated medical AI product. Clinical validation, regulatory affairs, data strategy, and algorithmic development are addressed. The development process proposed for AI in healthcare software strongly diverges from modern consumer software development processes. Key time points to guide founders, investors, and key stakeholders throughout the process are highlighted. This framework should be seen as a template for innovation frameworks, which can be used to coordinate team communications and responsibilities toward a viable product development roadmap, thus unlocking the potential of AI in medicine.

Database Discovery: From a Migration Project to a Content Strategy

After migrating to Ex Libris’s Alma and Primo for its integrated library system (ILS) and discovery layer, library staff at Simon Fraser University (SFU) maintained duplicate database information in a locally developed electronic resources management (ERM) system known as the CUFTS ERM for fifteen months. The CUFTS ERM provided the data for the library’s public-facing database list known as the CUFTS resource database (CRDB). A database search function had been on Ex Libris’s Primo roadmap for product development and was announced six months after the library went live with Alma and Primo. However, the new Primo database search function lacked the ability to replace the CRDB. Members of the library’s ILS Steering Committee who managed Alma and Primo were concerned about significant negative impacts on end-users if the library adopted the Primo database search function to replace the CRDB. The steering committee formed a task group to investigate options for creating a database list from Alma records to reduce duplication of staff time and effort, and systems resources, and to replicate the main functions of the existing CRDB for end-user discovery and access.

The impact of modular design and innovation on new product performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a modular product design system and a product development roadmap (PDR), which can help to improve modular design (MD) and product innovation capabilities, respectively. Their relationships with product newness (PN) and new product performance are also assessed. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model was tested through structural equation modelling using data from a survey of 153 manufacturers in the electronic and electrical appliance industries in China. Findings The findings reveal that the proposed modular product design system and PDR can improve MD and product innovation capabilities. The authors also explore the conflicting relationships of MD and product innovation capability with PN. Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to the literature by showing that MD can constrain PN while product innovation can improve it. The study provides new empirical evidence of these relationships and has strategic implications. In addition, this study identifies two product development techniques that can improve MD and innovation capability, respectively. Originality/value The authors provide new evidence of the relationship between MD and innovation capability at product level, and confirm a side effect of pursuing both in terms of new product development. Through empirical testing, the authors first verify two product development techniques for implementing modular product design and product innovation.

Intelligent Energy's portable fuel cell IP portfolio for sale

UK-based Intelligent Energy is selling a diverse patent portfolio which is no longer core to the company's current product development roadmap. This subset of Intelligent Energy's patent portfolio includes more than 1100 patent assets and related technologies, primarily related to portable fuel cells, for low-power fuel cell and energy storage applications such as consumer electronics and portable power.

The combination product development roadmap evolving combination product regulations and their impact on the development process

The combination product development roadmap evolving combination product regulations and their impact on the development process

Building community-driven vertical greening systems for people living on less than £1 a day: A case study in Nigeria

This paper reports and evaluates the process involved in designing and building affordable community-driven vertical greening systems (VGS) prototypes in a low-income neighbourhood of Lagos, Nigeria. Prototypes are intended to fulfil the dual function of improving indoor thermal comfort conditions and providing substrate to grow edible and medicinal plants. Besides that, the research aims to identify entrepreneurial competences and relationships in the community to transform the prototypes into commercially viable local products. ‘Qualitative fieldwork’ is used as a methodological approach and a product development roadmap is proposed that reports: design and construction development; performance evaluation of thermal impact and plant growth; costing; and community acceptability of the four different prototypes built in two different phases: rainy season 2014 and dry season 2016. The prototypes reduced internal air temperatures by an average of 2.3 °C, moving internal comfort conditions to the comfort zone for around 90%–100% of the time. Besides that, they provided around 16 crops of edible and medicinal plants per year. For two variants of prototypes (bamboo and prefabricated timber), the study reports a range of revenues from the sales of crops, and the estimated payback period (PBP) and internal rate of return (IRR) of the investment.

Optimal Sequential Investments in New Product Development with Emerging Technologies and Learning

We address the challenge of determining the optimal investments for a firm with limited new product development (NPD) resources, when the product development opportunities come over time from two distinct technologies. Upfront investment in a product platform gives higher returns from opportunities based on the platform technology in the future, due to the associated learning effects. Contingent on the order that technologies arise, we formulate the resource allocation problem and characterize the optimal development investments that determine the firm product development roadmap. We show that the firm should invest more resources in platform development if the returns from subsequent opportunities to leverage the platform are high, and if opportunities arise intermittently. In addition, the investment in platform development decreases in the uncertainty about either the learning effect, or the resources budget. Finally, we analyze the competitive scenario where two firms develop offerings based on the two technologies, and we show that the competing firms benefit from focusing resource investment on the competitively intense product line. Insights are then provided into the properties of the firm NPD roadmaps based on multiple technologies.