Exploring the Black Box of Modularity: Process to formulate design rules in the Renault-Nissan CMF

Tomoatsu Shibata

No 119, TMARG Discussion Papers from Graduate School of Economics and Management, Tohoku University

Abstract: This paper clarifies the process to formulate design rules, an issue remaining in the modularity research area, through a case analysis of the common module family (CMF) development process in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This paper contributes three new findings. First, design rules must be clearly formulated before work starts on product design, and this sequence must be strictly observed. Secondly, the quality of the design rules is influenced by both technical issues and strategic issues, such as different market requirements. In this sense, DSM(design structure matrix) proposed through existing literature is not enough for formulating design rule. Finally, formulating design rules is therefore requires the active involvement of not only engineers but also senior managers with strategic view. In these ways, product development process of modular architecture differs from the conventional product development process.

Pages: 22 pages
Date: 2015-07
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:toh:tmarga:119

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