The design and implementation of product development process models in construction companies

Tzortzopoulos, P

Abstract

The need for improving the product development process within the construction
industry is widely acknowledged. In response to this challenge, different process
models have been developed by academia and industry to enhance the effectiveness
and efficiency of the design and construction activity. However, the effective and
widespread adoption and use of product development process models in practice has
been limited, and the benefits resulting from these endeavours have been ambiguous
at best and non-existent at worst. This led to the research need for better
understanding of the dynamics of implementing product development process models
in construction firms. Such understanding includes identifying strategies to allow the
process model adaptation and adoption into specific project environments, as well as
examining factors that affect implementation. To develop such understanding the
process management, organisational change and technology transfer literature have
been revised and synthesised.
The research methodology employed a case study approach to test research
hypotheses and, in doing so, create new theoretical insights. Different research
techniques were applied, including literature review and synthesis, interviews,
observation, content analysis and cognitive mapping. As a result, a better
understanding of implementation in real life settings was achieved through a detailed
discussion of implementation cases. This research has produced a theoretical
framework to evaluate the content of product development process models with a
view to its implementation and a typology for factors affecting implementation. The
key research findings are: the need to consider the design and implementation of
process models in an integrated fashion within the organisational context in which it
takes place; and, a shift in the role of product development process models within
firms from a rational 'planning and control perspective' to a softer 'learning'
approach.

Citation

Tzortzopoulos, P. The design and implementation of product development process models in construction companies. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2004