Title: Technological uncertainty and verification and validation activities

Authors: Pekka Belt, Janne Harkonen, Matti Mottonen, Hanna Kropsu-Vehkapera, Harri Haapasalo

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014 University of Oulu, Finland

Abstract: Product development decisions are a great management challenge, especially in a turbulent business environment. Management is forced to make decisions before they have essential information on markets and technologies. This study analyses how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies cope with the uncertainty and challenges caused by the changing environment, focusing particularly on the role of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities. This article highlights that when properly conducted, V&V can aid in providing required information and help obtain a more profound understanding during the early part of product development. The study covers three company types: companies with their own products, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and subcontractors.

Keywords: technological uncertainty; product development; innovation; verification; validation; V&V; learning; continuous improvement; technology management; ICT; own products; original equipment manufacturers; OEMs; subcontractors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2010.030615

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2010 Vol.7 No.2, pp.223 - 243

Published online: 26 Dec 2009 *

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