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Linking Cyclicality and Product Quality

Author

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  • Manuel E. Sosa

    (Technology and Operations Management, INSEAD, Singapore 138676)

  • Jürgen Mihm

    (Technology and Operations Management, INSEAD, 77300 Fontainebleau, France)

  • Tyson R. Browning

    (Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas 76129)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of architectural decisions on the level of defects in a product. We view products as collections of components linked together to work as an integrated whole. Previous work has established modularity (how decoupled a component is from other product components) as a critical determinant of defects, and we confirm its importance. Yet our study also provides empirical evidence for a relationship between product quality and cyclicality (the extent to which a component depends on itself via other product components). We find cyclicality to be a determinant of quality that is distinct from, and no less important than, modularity. Extending this main result, we show how the cyclicality–quality relationship is affected by the centrality of a component in a cycle and the distribution of a cycle across product modules. These findings, which are based on an analysis of open source software development projects, have implications for the study and design of complex systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel E. Sosa & Jürgen Mihm & Tyson R. Browning, 2013. "Linking Cyclicality and Product Quality," Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, INFORMS, vol. 15(3), pages 473-491, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormsom:v:15:y:2013:i:3:p:473-491
    DOI: 10.1287/msom.2013.0432
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    4. Angelopoulos, Spyros & Bendoly, Elliot & Fransoo, Jan C. & Hoberg, Kai & Ou, Carol & Tenhiälä, Antti, 2023. "Digital transformation in operations management: Fundamental change through agency reversal," Other publications TiSEM 373742f5-0b87-4276-9ed6-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    5. Fabricio Eidelwein & Fabio Antonio Sartori Piran & Daniel Pacheco Lacerda & Aline Dresch & Luis Henrique Rodrigues, 2018. "Exploratory Analysis of Modularization Strategy Based on the Theory of Constraints Thinking Process," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 19(2), pages 111-122, June.
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    7. Baldwin, Carliss & MacCormack, Alan & Rusnak, John, 2014. "Hidden structure: Using network methods to map system architecture," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(8), pages 1381-1397.
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