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1 – 10 of over 21000David T. Rosell, Nicolette Lakemond and S. Nazli Wasti
Many manufacturing firms source components and subsystems from suppliers. Consequently, the suppliers' product and manufacturing knowledge is a central concern at the interface…
Abstract
Purpose
Many manufacturing firms source components and subsystems from suppliers. Consequently, the suppliers' product and manufacturing knowledge is a central concern at the interface between R&D and manufacturing. This paper aims to specifically investigate how supplier knowledge is integrated and what role trust plays in knowledge integration with suppliers at the R&D-manufacturing interface.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on qualitative case studies of two different collaborations with suppliers at one firm.
Findings
Two distinct processes are identified. First, capturing represents knowledge integration through decoupling, for which a basic level of trust specifically with regard to the competence of the supplier is necessary. Capturing can take place through interactions that are limited in time and scope. Second, joint learning represents a coupled knowledge integration process and takes place during a more extended period of time preceding and following the R&D-manufacturing interface and builds on relational-based trust.
Practical implications
The interface between R&D and manufacturing needs to be extended to include a focus on suppliers' contributions in terms of product and manufacturing knowledge. The choice for suitable knowledge integration processes needs to be guided by concerns about the level of trust and the character of the supplier contributions.
Originality/value
The paper adds new insights to previous literature by distinguishing between different types of knowledge integration processes and levels of trust. It bridges the gap between innovation and operations management and clearly shows that the interface between R&D and manufacturing crosses organizational borders.
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Thomas Lager and Jean-Philippe Rennard
– This extended editorial viewpoint aims to introduce the individual contributions for this special issue.
Abstract
Purpose
This extended editorial viewpoint aims to introduce the individual contributions for this special issue.
Design/methodology/approach
The articles included in this special issue are reviewed.
Findings
The preliminary synthesis of all articles identifies four different perspectives on this topical area: a corporate strategy perspective, a cross-functional work-process perspective, an outsourcing perspective and a specific Chinese perspective.
Research limitations/implications
Some of the articles in this special issue are of a theoretical character; thus, further empirical research is recommended.
Practical implications
The individual papers present important information, guidelines and frameworks that firms can use in their efforts to bridge the manufacturing – R&D interface.
Originality/value
This special issue focuses on a less-researched topical area and attempts to bridge the disciplines of operations and innovation management.
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Paraskeva Georgieva Wlazlak and Glenn Johansson
The purpose of this paper is to explore communication challenges related to geographic distance, with emphasis on differences in national culture and language between R&D and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore communication challenges related to geographic distance, with emphasis on differences in national culture and language between R&D and manufacturing engineers, in a development project faced with uncertainty and equivocality.
Design/methodology/approach
The results originate from a longitudinal single-case study of a commercial product development project.
Findings
Three communication challenges are identified: clarity of shared information, intention to share information, and responsiveness to information received. The challenges are strongly associated with differences in national culture and language. The study also indicates that the communication challenges cannot only be handled by the use of rich communication media, but also by employment of communication media of low richness such as e-mails or “picture books”.
Research limitations/implications
The single-case study approach limits the ability to generalize the findings. Future research should thus focus on additional studies of geographically separated R&D and manufacturing.
Originality/value
The results from the study provide important insights for the management of product development in geographically dispersed settings. The findings emphasize the need to consider potential differences in national culture and language within a product development team. Acknowledging these differences and managing them properly can support efficiency of product development projects.
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Jessica Bruch and Monica Bellgran
– The purpose of the research presented is to analyse and discuss critical challenges related to the development of a production system portfolio.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the research presented is to analyse and discuss critical challenges related to the development of a production system portfolio.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a longitudinal case study of an industrialization project at a global supplier in the automotive industry.
Findings
This research makes two clear theoretical contributions. First, it extends the existing research on the manufacturing and R&D interface by proposing an innovative structure for production system development facilitating manufacturing companies in their efforts of being fast and cost-effective when introducing new products to the market. Second, this research identifies challenges related to the adoption of a production system portfolio and the necessary actions of a manufacturing company applying such a portfolio strategy.
Research limitations/implications
The findings should be seen as a first attempt at assisting the development of a production system portfolio that matches the product portfolio. However, since the findings are based on only one case, the findings are to some extent context-specific and thus need to be complemented by more research.
Practical implications
The research unveils challenges related to production system development and provides managers with a better understanding of some of the implications of the adoption of a portfolio strategy.
Originality/value
This empirical study is among the first to explore the implications of a production system portfolio strategy. It advances the understanding towards a fully integrated product and production system development.
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Paraskeva Wlazlak, Kristina Säfsten and Per Hilletofth
Although prior research provides evidence that production ramp-up is often disrupted by supplier-related problems, it fails to discuss how the original equipment manufacturer…
Abstract
Purpose
Although prior research provides evidence that production ramp-up is often disrupted by supplier-related problems, it fails to discuss how the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and various types of suppliers integrate their functions and operations to secure preparations for production ramp-up. The purpose of this paper is to investigate OEM–supplier integration in a new product development (NPD) project to prepare for production ramp-up.
Design/methodology/approach
The results presented in this paper are based on a real-time, longitudinal study of a single collaborative NPD project in the mechanical engineering industry. The NPD project involves seven suppliers and it is carried out in a large Swedish company (the OEM) and fits the theory-elaborating approach of this research.
Findings
This study argues that the aspect of timing in OEM–supplier integration, the OEM’s research and development (R&D) attitude toward collaboration and the OEM’s (R&D) operating procedure are challenges affecting the preparation for production ramp-up. The following three mechanisms to facilitate OEM–supplier integration in order to prepare for production ramp-up are also discussed: the mediator’s role, the OEM’s face-to-face meeting at the project level and suppliers’ formal face-to-face meetings with the OEM and internally.
Originality/value
This paper elaborates on and extends prior research on production ramp-up by conducting an empirical analysis that incorporates supplier integration in NPD. It bridges the gap between the literature on production ramp-up and on supplier integration in NPD and clearly indicates that supplier integration is an important prerequisite for successful production ramp-up.
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Ali Taleb, Elicia Maine and Erik Kjeang
The purpose of this paper is to show how technical-economical cost modeling can help in steering research and development to target key production cost elements of new products…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how technical-economical cost modeling can help in steering research and development to target key production cost elements of new products based on emerging technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors demonstrate the development and use of a technical-economic cost model (TCM) of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) in fuel cells to steer research to produce more economical and reliable products. A TCM is developed to depict how the production cost per unit varies depending on the different fabrication methods, production rate limitations, material selection, labor distribution, energy consumption, financial parameters and the target production volume. By using such an approach in the design, research time and resources can be saved by prioritizing R&D and production scale-up options at an early stage.
Findings
The results of this study show the importance of applying technical-economic cost model (TCM) techniques on early stage research projects to steer the development for resolving key problematic figures. As a case study, a cost analysis platform has been established to apply this technique by analyzing different manufacturing and R&D options for producing durable PEM fuel cells. The projected manufacturing cost of the PEM is found to be lower than previously estimated and the enhanced durability does not significantly impact this production cost.
Originality/value
Production is an important factor in informing NPD targets and R&D direction. And yet it is difficult to estimate scaled up production cost for prototype products and components in the R&D lab. Technical-economic cost models (TCM) are a tool to assist decision-making in technology portfolio management and NPD.
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Kristina Säfsten, Glenn Johansson, Nicolette Lakemond and Thomas Magnusson
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of challenges related to interfaces in industrial innovation processes, together with suggestions on how these…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of challenges related to interfaces in industrial innovation processes, together with suggestions on how these interface challenges can be managed. The paper investigates similarities and differences between the interfaces and identified challenges in terms of required managerial issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The result presented in this paper is based on in-depth case studies of ten product development projects from five different manufacturing firms in Sweden. The empirical results are supplemented with results from a review of relevant literature.
Findings
To manage the interface challenges market uncertainty, technological uncertainty, product complexity and/or degree of change in product, production complexity and/or degree of change in production, geographical and/or organisational dispersion between technology development and product development, and between product development and production, it was found that several issues have to be considered. Most of the identified managerial issues concern transfer synchronisation, transfer management and transfer scope. The authors have shown that despite many differences between the different phases in the innovation process, a quite concordant picture emerges when it comes to how to manage interface challenges.
Practical implications
The classification of managerial issues into transfer synchronisation, transfer management and transfer scope provides an overview of areas that need to be addressed to manage interface challenges during the industrial innovation process. This knowledge provides some guidance for managers aiming at a smooth transition process, from technology development to production.
Originality/value
By addressing both the interface between technology development and product development, and between product development and production in the same study, the authors have been able to provide a comprehensive overview of managerial issues related to interfaces challenges in industrial innovation processes in manufacturing firms.
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Steffen Kinkel, Oliver Kleine and Janis Diekmann
As a consequence of the sluggish growth in Europe caused by the Euro-crisis, many German companies are currently expanding their manufacturing and innovation activities in…
Abstract
Purpose
As a consequence of the sluggish growth in Europe caused by the Euro-crisis, many German companies are currently expanding their manufacturing and innovation activities in fast-growing China – or intend to do so. The paper aims to provide new practical and theoretical insights on how German manufacturing companies are readjusting and further developing their production and innovation strategies in China and which future paths they plan to follow to make the most out of their foreign factories in this market.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on in-depth interviews with the top management of 18 German manufacturing companies in China, this paper analyzes the present state, interlinkages and future development paths of their local manufacturing and innovation strategies, employing Ferdows' framework of foreign factory roles.
Findings
The authors find that up to now most of the surveyed factories represent an additional type of an advanced server factory, characterized by a “Chinese gap” in new product development (NPD) and basic innovations. Based on that the authors propose five guiding principles on how foreign factories in China can cope with the upcoming challenges in China and make the most of their local strategies.
Originality/value
The research provides unexpected insights of a high strategic relevance for practitioners currently engaged in optimising their global production and innovation footprint. It challenges established frameworks on foreign production and innovation modes by comparing them to the established practice of frontrunner companies from key sectors of the German manufacturing industry.
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Sweet Ling Adeline Wong and Shao Hung Goh
Bid management is an important presales process that involves not just pricing but also determining requirement fit and managing ambiguities. The purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Bid management is an important presales process that involves not just pricing but also determining requirement fit and managing ambiguities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges of coordinating bid activities across the engineering–commercial interface from the systems thinking, contingency, coordination and engineering perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
A thematic analysis of an internal survey and four embedded case studies were conducted on multiple affiliated business units across diverse product segments and geographic markets in the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry.
Findings
The results show that challenges in any EMS bid can be distilled into the inter-related categories of price/cost, quote lead time, cost-accuracy, coordination and technical knowledge/capability. Moreover, the embedded cases suggest that engineering-based solutions, such as quality function deployment, target costing and value engineering, can be useful if suitably applied, but fulfilling diverse bid requests using generic processes can hinder effective bid management.
Research limitations/implications
The authors propose three principles in a framework for EMS bid management, namely (1) bid management can be modelled as an open system; (2) process focus and integration mechanisms are structural requirements in effective bid systems; and (3) a contingency approach can help alleviate the increasing complexity of bids.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by proposing a contingency model of engineering-based approaches according to product archetype and a practical framework for bid management to drive intra-organisational coordination and competitive bids in the EMS industry.
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Dmitrij Slepniov, Brian V. Wæhrens and John Johansen
The principal objective of this paper is to relate functional nodes of production and innovation in global operations networks. The authors aim to capture the implications of…
Abstract
Purpose
The principal objective of this paper is to relate functional nodes of production and innovation in global operations networks. The authors aim to capture the implications of changing strategic roles and locations of manufacturing for innovation capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw on the operations networks literature and use mixed methods of enquiry, including case studies, workshops and survey techniques. Part of the empirical base of the study is a series of workshops and an examination of 14 Danish companies that have experienced radical changes in their operations configurations. To provide a more complete view of these developments, the authors complement the qualitative methodology with a survey of an overall sample of 675 Danish and 410 Swedish companies.
Findings
On the basis of the findings from the survey, the series of workshops and case studies of Danish companies presented in this paper, the authors find that although the potential benefits of global dispersion of manufacturing are vast, the realisation of these potentials depends on how successful companies are with linking the new strategic roles and locations of manufacturing with innovation at their home base. The paper identifies and discusses groups of capabilities important to this link.
Practical implications
Three propositions are developed to advance the understanding of the role of cross-functional coordination and alignment, as well as their significance in the strategic initiatives of global dispersion of operations. The findings assist global companies in organising cross-functional coordination and interrelated functional nodes of production and innovation in global operations networks.
Originality/value
Not only routine transactional tasks but also more knowledge-intensive proprietary tasks cross both national and organisational borders. The challenge of coordination in these emerging configurations is imperative which has not been adequately addressed so far. By using mixed methods of inquiry, this paper provides a more complete view of the phenomenon and presents the main dilemmas underlying it.
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