Title: Product development for successive generations: creating decision support graphic information utilising a generalised cost performance curve

Authors: Yasuo Kusaka, Yoshiki Nakamura, Jim Brogan

Addresses: Faculty of Economics, Dokkyo University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Soka-shi, Saitama-ken, 340-0042, Japan. ' Department of Industrial Management, Nihon University, 1-3-2 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8306, Japan. ' Faculty of Economics, Dokkyo University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Soka-shi, Saitama-ken, 340-0042, Japan

Abstract: This study adopts the modelling approach described by Kusaka and co-authors in previous papers. It aims at specifying two fundamental approaches for product development (PD) in order to gain long-range and short-range competitive advantages and to create decision support information. The long-range approach introduces product functions and technologies over successive generations of products, as and when they become appropriate; the short-range approach enables the latest information, based on present market needs and current technological advances, to be flexibly and quickly introduced into PD decision-making. Thus, the study builds a PD model that optimally selects product functions and technologies for successive generations. The system builds on previous research by introducing a time factor. A graphic information tool, which we call a generalised cost performance curve, enables decision-makers to see changing PD patterns for successive generations. It also clarifies product evolutionary patterns and their characteristics under planned roadmaps.

Keywords: modular product development; successive generations; roadmap; R&D management; technology management; tacit knowledge; AHP; generalised cost performance curve; GCPC; modelling; integer programming; optimal decision making; graphic information; scenario analysis; analytical hierarchy process; research and development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2011.038591

International Journal of Technology Management, 2011 Vol.53 No.2/3/4, pp.216 - 237

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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