Platform-oriented product development: prospects and limitations Online publication date: Fri, 02-Apr-2010
by Ahm Shamsuzzoha, Tauno Kekale
International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR), Vol. 4, No. 3, 2010
Abstract: Globalised demands for products variants with reduced developmental time lead firms to consider effective and organised product development approach. In order to fulfil these requirements, manufacturing firms are increasingly moving towards platform-oriented product development or are planning to do so to reduce complexity and better leverage investments in product design, manufacturing and marketing. In this paper, an overview of key topics related to platform design and product variety management is provided. A review of recent works on product platform design and its application to industries is discussed. A generic design structure matrix (DSM) tool is presented that outlines an effective methodology for platform design. This methodology is explained through presenting an example of a diesel fueled ship engine. Different limitations and risks associated with the management of platform-based product design and development are discussed along with some future research directions too.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Business Innovation and Research (IJBIR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook