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Efficient front-loading through knowledge integration

Author

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  • Simge Tuna
  • Georg Windisch

Abstract

'Front-loading', proficiency in new product development (NPD) early planning, is commonly acknowledged to improve performance. However, there is little empirical evidence on the micro-processes that improve NPD-specific efficiency outcomes. This paper analyses the specific front-loading capabilities needed to reduce waste in NPD. We investigate 53 NPD projects pursued between 2007 to 2012 by a company in the factory automation and control industry. Archival project documents are used to identify front-loading activities and efficiency outcomes; interviews were conducted with project managers and engineers. The results show that projects with systematic knowledge integration at the front-end show significantly better schedule attainment than projects with no systematic knowledge integration at the front-end. Front-loading capabilities are best described as knowledge transfer from past projects. There is also evidence that knowledge integration from downstream functions and testing has a joint impact on time efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Simge Tuna & Georg Windisch, 2014. "Efficient front-loading through knowledge integration," International Journal of Product Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 19(5/6), pages 286-306.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpdev:v:19:y:2014:i:5/6:p:286-306
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Gillier & Sylvain Lenfle, 2015. "Experimenting in the unknown : lessons from the Manhattan project," Working Papers hal-01483018, HAL.
    2. Thomas Gillier & Sylvain Lenfle, 2015. "Experimenting in the unknown : lessons from the Manhattan project," Working paper serie RMT - Grenoble Ecole de Management hal-01483018, HAL.

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