Article Abstract

	Title:	Parallel product alternatives and verification and validation activities
	Author:	Janne Harkonen, Matti Mottonen, Pekka Belt, Harri Haapasalo
	Address:	Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, PO Box 4610, FI 90014, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, PO Box 4610, FI 90014, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, PO Box 4610, FI 90014, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland, PO Box 4610, FI 90014, Finland
	Journal:	International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development 2009 - Vol. 7, No.1  pp. 86 - 97
	Abstract:	Business environment in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector is turbulent. Requirements for products change even during new product development (NPD). Profound information during the early part of NPD is critical for success, and verification and validation activities can aid in providing this required information. Also, developing parallel technologies and product alternatives during the early NPD supports gaining this information. Although developing multiple options may seem a waste of resources, this may prove beneficial, even for small and medium sized companies, in a changing environment. This study analyses how ICT companies deal with challenges caused by technological uncertainties.
	Keywords:	enterprise development; ICT; parallel development; new product development; NPD; requirements; validation; verification; product alternatives; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; technological uncertainty.
	DOI:	10.1504/IJMED.2009.025267
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