Design-Manufacturing Integration in the Early Phases of New Product Development: An Exploratory Analysis and Empirical Study

Chen, S. 2001. Design-Manufacturing Integration in the Early Phases of New Product Development: An Exploratory Analysis and Empirical Study. NTU Management Review, 12 (1): 085-121

Song Chen, Department of Industrial Management, Kun Shan University of Technology

Abstract

Substantial research has investigated the impact of design-manufacturing integration (DMI) in the product design phase on new product performance, little empirical research has explored the contribution of DMI in the predevelopment phases. This study, with a focus on DMI (including interdepartmental relationships, information flow, and manufacturing involvement) in the early phases of new product development (NPD), examines the influence of interdepartmental integration mechanisms on DMI and the impact of DMI on new product performance. Sixty-four product development projects from information hardware product manufacturers in Taiwan were sampled as empirical subjects. The results of path analysis indicate that integration mechanisms (such as job rotation, cross-functional training, formalization of role responsibility, and common goals) have significantly positive influence on DMI. Also the findings show that manufacturing involvement and information flow are positively related to new product performance. Finally, implications for management and recommendations for future research are presented.  


Keywords

Integration mechanisms Design-manufacturing integration New product performance


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