Organizing Cross-Functional New Product Development Projects: The Phase-Specific Effects of Organizational Antecedents

ISBN-13: 9783835009264 / Angielski / Miękka / 2008 / 185 str.

Tobias Huth; Joachim B. Schken; Joachim Buschken

Opis

In theory and practice, cross-functional teams (CFTs) are considered an essential requirement for the success of innovation projects. However, empirical research indicates that the use of CFTs does not automatically lead to successful innovation. It appears favorable that the - ployment of CFTs has to be directed as systematically as well as other organizational actions. Against this background, this dissertation deals with the phase-specific influence of organi- tional and environmental variables for the success of cross-functional innovation projects. New territory is entered by applying a phase-specific perspective. After having outlaid a th- retical framework, the effects of different variables on the success of cross-functional inno- tion projects during the early and the late project stage are empirically investigated. At its core, the purpose of this study is related to the investigation of the intentional and phase-specific use of organizational infrastructures in order to increase the success of inno- tion projects. Thereby, a difference is made between the early and the late project stage. The intentional manipulation of different organizational and environmental variables may become a more complicated venture, if these structures impede and/ or foster creative processes, in- vation and efficiency at the same time.

Spis treści

Cross-functional teams in new product development Theoretical framework for the phase-specific effects of organizational antecedents in cross-functional new product development Research methodology and results: survey development and data collection, sample description, measures, choice of PLS as research method, general steps in the assessment of PLS-models, phase-specific effects of creativity and efficiency, effects of organizational antecedents in the early and late project stage Managerial and theoretical implications

O autorze

Dr. Tobias Huth promovierte bei Prof. Dr. Joachim Büschken am Lehrstuhl für Marketing und Absatzwirtschaft an der Katholischen Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Er ist als Manager Business Evaluation bei der BASF AG in Ludwigshafen tätig.

Blurb

Companies are looking for better ways to develop innovative products. In this regard, cross-functional teams (CFTs) are considered to be a key success factor. However, previous research indicates that the use of CFTs does not automatically lead to successful innovation. It appears that the employment of CFTs has to be implemented as systematically as well as other organizational activities.

On the basis of a survey conducted with 133 project managers, Tobias Huth presents an empirical analysis of the organizational success drivers of new cross-functional product development projects. The investigated antecedents are distinguished by organic and mechanistic designs as well as boundary spanning activities. New territory is entered by applying a phase-specific perspective. It is shown that certain antecedents (e.g. participative decision-making, top management support) should be permanently employed, while others (e.g. steering committees, central budgets) should be managed dynamically. Teams are advised to adopt a dynamic blend of flexibility and discipline while constantly interacting with external sources inside the organization.