Technology analysis is to analyze technology by qualitative and quantitative approaches. This is important issue in management of technology (MOT) because the result of technology analysis is used for efficient R&D planning. In this paper, we propose novel approach to technology analysis by patent statistics. We retrieve patent documents related to target technology, and analyze the retrieved p...

This paper presents an interim report on research into design capacity. Design capacity is defined as an organisation’s proficiency to gather and assimilate knowledge about design. For small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK’s furniture manufacturing sector, the management of design capacity is now viewed as being an integral element in business success. Key product development issu...

The goal of this research is to investigate prototype use in conceptual design. In order to begin this line of study, we look first to current practices in industry. A case study involving two companies provides examples of prototype use in the conceptual design phase of their respective product development cycles. Six interviews were conducted at two different companies in order to help unders...

Article history: Available online 11 August 2011

This paper examines the impact of vertical integration on the dynamics of performance in the context of automobile product development. Building on recent work in organizational economics and strategy, we examine a number of detailed case studies to evaluate the relationship between vertical integration and different performance margins. On the one hand, outsourcing facilitates access to cuttin...

a r t i c l e i n f o This study investigates the extent to which strong relationships between a firm and its key suppliers promote effective new product introduction. Building on the relationship marketing literature, we identify self-enforcement and interdependence as two contingent relational variables that influence the strength of the buyer–supplier relationship. We use data from a survey ...

Modern product development increasingly relies on simulation methods to optimize functional performance. The testanalyze-fix approach of physical prototypes has moved to computer-aided, engineering-based, virtual prototyping. Contrary to the belief that this would reduce the demands for testing, it has opened new applications, new challenges and opportunities. Part 2 of this article covers thes...