Title: Managing the productivity of product development: a system dynamics analysis

Authors: Petri Helo, Olli-Pekka Hilmola, Ari Maunuksela

Addresses: University of Vaasa, Industrial Management, PO Box 700, FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland. ' Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, FIN-20500 Turku, Finland. ' Radionet Ltd., Keilaranta 6, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland

Abstract: This paper analyses the performance of product development as an input-delayed partial productivity. Firstly, the total productivity concept is introduced in the framework of firm-level performance measurement. After a review of some recent literature related to new product development, two related system dynamics models are presented and one software case is being further analysed. Based on the analysis we suggest that productivity measurement of product development requires knowledge in project and resource structure. Productivity approach is analysed on company growth and project level. Finally, the preliminary results related to product development are concluded and the practical applicability of the productivity framework is discussed for further research in the area.

Keywords: research and development; learning; productivity measurement; product development; total productivity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2004.004637

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2004 Vol.1 No.4, pp.333 - 344

Published online: 26 May 2004 *

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