Title: A hybrid-approach to model design and development processes and the evaluation of innovation opportunities

Authors: Francesca Montagna, Maria Franca Norese

Addresses: Dipartimento di Sistemi di Produzione ed Economia dell'Azienda, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 10129 Torino, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Sistemi di Produzione ed Economia dell'Azienda, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 10129 Torino, Italy

Abstract: Complexity and uncertainty are crucial when product/process innovation contexts are concerned. These contexts must be deeply analysed to produce knowledge elements useful to reduce complexity and uncertainty and to manage innovative and unstructured situations. Firms need tools to acquire and structure these knowledge elements, and to propose them in communication contexts, as shared and operational models. The paper presents a hybrid-approach, which integrates problem identification and structuring methods and decision-aiding procedures. The role of this approach, its results, potentialities and limits are analysed in different decision contexts and through a recent application in a firm of the automotive industry.

Keywords: process modelling; performance indicators; decision support; complexity; uncertainty; product innovation; process innovation; automotive innovation; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.017734

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.14 No.3/4, pp.379 - 395

Published online: 28 Mar 2008 *

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