Title: Integration mechanisms in ''imitative'' product development projects

Authors: T. Ravichandran, T.R. Madanmohan

Addresses: Innovation Management Consulting, 826 (c), Trichy Road, off Jaishanthi Theatre, Coimbatore, India. ' Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore-560076, India

Abstract: Our understanding of the various integrative mechanisms utilised by firms that pursue dominantly imitating as opposed to innovation strategy is limited. What are the implications of these mechanisms in imitative environment is yet to be ascertained. The present work investigates the patterns of integrations in imitative product development process. The study revealed that only two different types of integrative mechanisms, viz., coalitions and individual integrators, were employed in a varied manner in imitative project environments. Imitative projects with high project scope (inter-dependent units) seem to employ more of integrators while projects with high technological uncertainty seem to use coalitions as integrative mechanisms. The managerial implications and directions for further research are expounded.

Keywords: imitation strategy; integration mechanisms; coalition; individual integrators; imitative product development; technological uncertainty.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2005.007253

International Journal of Product Development, 2005 Vol.2 No.3, pp.282 - 297

Published online: 27 Jun 2005 *

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