Title: The architectural attributes of auto parts and transaction patterns on design drawings

Authors: Fujimoto Takahiro, Ge Dongsheng

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. ' Manufacturing Management Research Centre, University of Tokyo, Japan

Abstract: In this paper, we make a tentative study on the strategic choice of transaction patterns for the detailed design drawings of auto parts in the Japanese auto industry. Using the available taxonomy of transaction patterns from previous studies – the Drawing-Supplied (DS) system, the Drawing-Entrusted (DE) system and the Drawing-Approved (DA) system – we further explore the conditions under which these patterns are chosen to achieve the efficiency of interfirm cooperation in the new product development process. The inquiry into why diverse patterns can still be observed even within a transaction dyad (one automaker and one supplier) motivates us to relate the architectural attributes of auto parts to the outsourcing decision for their detailed design. Results of our empirical study show that the functional modularity of auto parts had a positive effect on the outsourcing of design drawings.

Keywords: architectural attributes; drawing-supplied systems; drawing-entrusted systems; drawing-approved systems; functional modularity; automotive components; transaction patterns; design drawings; vehicle design; automobile industry; detailed design; Japan; interfirm cooperation; new product development; NPD; functional modularity; outsourcing; modular design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2006.012231

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.4, pp.370 - 386

Published online: 30 Jan 2007 *

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