In todays industries, New Product Development (NPD) is often the focal point of competition. Companies that are able effectively to develop, produce and introduce new products are the key competitors in markets where variety and time-to-market play an increasingly important role. This examination into the organisation of Integrated Product Development aims to answer the question: Which integration mechanisms lead to effective co-ordination and overlap of New Product Development activities in which situations? The mechanisms, strat egies and goals, knowledge and skills, and organisational arrangements are presented, and their impact on the results of NPD projects and relationships is discussed. An in-depth understanding of the background and theory is provided, using detailed case s tudies to illustrate both the human and organisational issues in practice.

Presents the issues in Integrated Product Development from an organisational perspective. Analyses in depth both the theoretical and practical aspects, supported by detailed case studies. Explains the principles and the reasoning behind them so that they may be applied in real industrial management situations

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Integration Processes and Results.- 3. Integration Mechanisms.- 4. Methodology and Operationalisation.- 5. Jaguar Cars Case Study.- 6. NEDAP Case Study.- 7. Vredestein and Agricom Case Studies.- 8. Case Study Analyses.- 9. Theory Confronted with Practice.- Literature.