Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY UNCERTAINTY ON EARLY SUPPLIER INTEGRATION IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Geissmann, Lukas; Rebentisch, Eric Scott
Type:
Year:
2015
Editor:
Christian Weber, Stephan Husung, Marco Cantamessa, Gaetano Cascini, Dorian Marjanovic, Francesca Montagna
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
1: MIT, United States of America; 2: The Schindler Group
Section:
Design Organisation and Management
Page(s):
175-186
ISBN:
978-1-904670-66-7
ISSN:
2220-4334
Abstract:
This study examines how the presence of technology uncertainty affects the benefits of integrating suppliers in the product development process. A framework was created to cover the different aspects of technology uncertainty discussed in current empirical studies. From this a survey instrument was created and a sample of data collected from companies engaged in product development projects. The analysis confirmed most aspects of the technology uncertainty framework. A tendency towards strategic and long-term buyer-supplier relationships leading to better product development performance was shown. Thorough supplier assessment using cross-functional teams and formal IP and confidentiality agreements were shown to benefit supplier integration in the Fuzzy Front End of product development. The benefits from integrating suppliers in the Fuzzy Front End seem to be positively moderated by the level of experience the buying-organization has with the technology provided by the supplier. This runs counter to the prediction that supplier integration should be more beneficial if the buying-organization has less knowledge about the supplier s technology.
Keywords:
