Title: Enhancing high-tech product development through communication

Authors: Mirja Vaananen, Pekka Belt, Binshan Lin

Addresses: Faculty of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu 90014, Finland. ' Faculty of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu 90014, Finland. ' Business School, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115, USA

Abstract: Product development faces communication challenges which are accumulated when several companies are involved as typically in a high-tech industry. In this research, project personnel|s communication needs are studied and improvement ideas are sought. This paper aims to help companies and project managers improve communication and hence enhance product development. The research was conducted as a multiple case study through a web-based survey to identify project personnel|s perceptions of the primary information sources and typical communication problems. According to this study, personal relations are the main source for information for the personnel conducting the actual work. Data management systems are also utilised; however, they should better support the communication needs of product designers. In addition, companies with own products should better acknowledge the communication needs of their sub-contractors and their personnel. Investments in well-functioning communication, both planning and follow-up, should be made at project, product development and organisational levels.

Keywords: communication needs; new product development; NPD; information management; project management; high-tech industries; project managers; communication improvement; web-based surveys; world wide web; internet; personnel perceptions; workforce; information sources; primary sources; personal relations; data management; product designers; sub-contractors; communication planning; communication follow-up; high-technology companies; Finland; software industry; development enhancement; electronics industry; telecommunications industry; enterprise development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2010.037566

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2010 Vol.9 No.4, pp.405 - 419

Published online: 17 Dec 2010 *

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