Title: An analysis of transferring value-added activities within the context of modular design

Authors: Paulo Augusto Cauchick Miguel, Evandro Prieto

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, Trav. 2, No. 128, 055080-070 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. ' Department of Production Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, Trav. 2, No. 128, 055080-070 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil

Abstract: Automotive companies have used modularity as a strategy applied to new product development along with the outsourcing of production. To develop products using the modular strategy, activities inherent to production are redistributed based on a division of work among assemblers and their suppliers. In this sense, this study investigates the process of transferring value-added activities in new product development to tier suppliers in the context of modular strategy. The research relies on a multiple case study approach. Results shown that the companies studied were positioned in distinct levels of modular competencies (|embryonic|, |under development|, and |mature|), according to the empirical evidence. The relationships between the stage of maturity and major new product development practices were also identified.

Keywords: modularity; modular projects; new product development; automotive NPD; automotive modularisation; automobile indutry; modular product design; value-added activities; tier suppliers; maturity stages.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2010.035647

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.10 No.4, pp.378 - 399

Published online: 01 Oct 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article