Functional interaction : diagnosing interface relationships in new product development

Jones, Tim

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of a diagnostic tool to identify potential weaknesses in the
interfaces between the key functions involved in new product development within manufacturing
organisations. It comprises three parts:
Part One introduces the field and reviews the literature. It discusses the subject of new
product development (NPD), describes how the NPD process has evolved and outlines the
key success factors which have been found to apply. It identifies and summarises the key
issues which have influenced NPD and discusses the role that teams have had within the
field. Key functions and their respective interfaces are identified and the barriers which
exist between these functions assessed. A theoretical framework is presented which
proposes that problems within these functional interfaces can be overcome by developing
appropriate solutions based on accurate diagnosis of imbalance of functional perceptions
within organisations. Associated research hypotheses and methodology for the research
programme are also presented.
Part Two describes the development and testing of a questionnaire to achieve this diagnosis.
This details the identification of core issues through interviews in sample companies,
initial testing of a questionnaire and the subsequent revision and retesting. Rationalisation
of the questionnaire using both item and factor analysis techniques are then described and,
following final testing, the use of these same techniques to develop a scoring system are also
detailed.
Part Three discusses the findings from the research programme and draws conclusions. The
results obtained from the use of the diagnostic questionnaire within the participating
organisations are compared with the literature and the development of the diagnostic
questionnaire is evaluated. Finally the research hypotheses are examined and tested and
conclusions relating to both the findings and the questionnaire development are drawn.
Finally recommendations for the future use of the developed diagnostic tool are made.

Citation

Jones, T. Functional interaction : diagnosing interface relationships in new product development. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1998