Title: An empirical investigation on the appropriateness of flexibility approach to the product portfolio selection

Authors: Leonardo P. Santiago

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract: Product portfolio selection is one of the key drivers for the medium- and long-term success of most firms. In this paper we conduct an empirical investigation on a flexibility approach to select projects and allocate budget in a product portfolio. The model is concerned with the resolution of uncertainty over the product development life cycle and deals with technical, market and cost factors all together. Previous results indicate the effectiveness of this approach in evaluating projects individually. However, until now, no study has been carried out to check the appropriateness of this model to compare and select projects. Our conclusions are in line with the applicability of the referred model to tackle the problem of selecting projects and allocating budget in a portfolio of new products and/or technologies.

Keywords: flexibility; new product development; NPD; portfolio selection; R&D management; real options; research and development; product portfolios.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2008.020707

International Journal of Technology Management, 2008 Vol.44 No.1/2, pp.251 - 268

Published online: 12 Oct 2008 *

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