Search results

This paper addresses companies’ lack of implementation of success factors in new product development. Drawing on theory in the competence perspective and an exploratory empirical study, the paper points to two major areas that have not been covered by previous studies on new product development success factors. The two areas are knowledge and skills of individual employees, values and norms and it is suggested that increased understanding of these two areas holds potential in making identified success factors more accessible to companies.

Discusses the concept of market‐oriented product development and describes the extent to which a number of Danish food companies and Dutch manufacturers of medical equipment were market oriented in developing new products. The results are combined with the current product development literature to identify the major barriers that prevent managers from capitalizing on existing normative results regarding market‐oriented product development. Concludes with major implications for both researchers and practitioners.

The need for better links to the market as well as improved internal sharing and use of market information has been stressed as central for market‐oriented product development. This paper aims to suggest a conceptual model for the identification of relevant market information (based on the understanding of consumers' vertical and horizontal decision structure) combined with considerations on effective internal use of the information.

The suggested model is applied in case studies in an action research project, and experiences with the application are discussed.

The paper finds that by using a means‐end chain approach it is possible to collect market information which can comply with the requirements for market information regarding quality cues and purchase motives. Furthermore, the process requirements for the internal use of information in product development are also fulfilled since the development teams recognize the value of the information and actively use it in their product development decision making. However, the means‐end approach cannot (in its present form) reveal experienced quality since the approach includes no trying of the product concepts.

The proposed model gathers and simplifies the requirements for improved market‐oriented product development of fast‐moving consumer goods and can remind development teams of considering the situation before and after product experience as well as the different levels of abstraction in consumers' minds. At the same time they are reminded that this information should feed into the process of making decisions in product development.

The objective of this paper is to develop a framework, based on existing literature, for factors influencing the formation and success of product development alliances, and relate this specifically to the food industry.

Case study of a product development alliance, with four partners and an interview survey, with 19 key informants in the Danish food industry.

The nature of the differences between the developed framework for product development alliances in the food industry and theory on alliances in general, indeed seem to rest in the chosen specific context. Companies in the food industry are not forced by external conditions to enter into product development alliances. Therefore, compared to other industries, motivations have to be stronger or risks smaller for them to form such interorganisational relationships. However, once formed, results indicate that success factors are rather universal across industries and types of alliances.

Further research should explore the findings further, both within the food industry context, as well as more broadly in terms of geography and industry.

Managers obtain a tool for planning and refining their innovation strategy and actions regarding product development alliances.

This research contributes to the presently limited literature on product development alliances, specifically in the food industry context.