Title: The relations between stakeholders and product development drivers: practitioners' perspectives

Authors: Jukka Majava; Janne Harkonen; Harri Haapasalo

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

Abstract: Product development is affected by various drivers and multiple stakeholders. This study assesses relationships between different external and internal stakeholders and product development drivers. The relationships between stakeholders and product development drivers are analysed at managerial level in NPD intensive companies, which operate in market-driven environment. The results indicate the most relevant external stakeholders for product development drivers to include customers, suppliers, and partners, whereas the most relevant internal stakeholders include product management, management, and engineering. In addition, key stakeholders for individual drivers are identified. Industrial managers can utilise the findings to improve decision-making, prioritisation, and to reduce unnecessary complexities.

Keywords: new product development; NPD; product development drivers; stakeholders; innovation; learning; DfX; design for x; decision making; prioritisation; complexity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2015.066064

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2015 Vol.17 No.1, pp.59 - 78

Published online: 21 Jan 2015 *

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