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Exploring the Black Box of Modularity: Process to formulate design rules in the Renault-Nissan CMF

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  • Tomoatsu Shibata

Abstract

This paper clarifies the process to formulate design rules, an issue remaining in the modularity research area, through a case analysis of the common module family (CMF) development process in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This paper contributes three new findings. First, design rules must be clearly formulated before work starts on product design, and this sequence must be strictly observed. Secondly, the quality of the design rules is influenced by both technical issues and strategic issues, such as different market requirements. In this sense, DSM(design structure matrix) proposed through existing literature is not enough for formulating design rule. Finally, formulating design rules is therefore requires the active involvement of not only engineers but also senior managers with strategic view. In these ways, product development process of modular architecture differs from the conventional product development process.

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  • Tomoatsu Shibata, 2015. "Exploring the Black Box of Modularity: Process to formulate design rules in the Renault-Nissan CMF," TMARG Discussion Papers 119, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University.
    • Handle: RePEc:toh:tmarga:119
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10097/60506
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stefano Brusoni & Andrea Prencipe, 2006. "Making Design Rules: A Multidomain Perspective," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 179-189, April.
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    3. Ron Sanchez, 2013. "Building real modularity competence in automotive design, development, production, and after-service," International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 13(3), pages 204-236.
    4. Langlois, Richard N. & Robertson, Paul L., 1992. "Networks and innovation in a modular system: Lessons from the microcomputer and stereo component industries," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 21(4), pages 297-313, August.
    5. Ulrich, Karl, 1995. "The role of product architecture in the manufacturing firm," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(3), pages 419-440, May.
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