Enhancing high-tech product development through communication

Mirja Vaananen, Pekka Belt and Binshan Lin

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2010, vol. 9, issue 4, 405-419

Abstract: Product development faces communication challenges which are accumulated when several companies are involved as typically in a high-tech industry. In this research, project personnel's communication needs are studied and improvement ideas are sought. This paper aims to help companies and project managers improve communication and hence enhance product development. The research was conducted as a multiple case study through a web-based survey to identify project personnel's perceptions of the primary information sources and typical communication problems. According to this study, personal relations are the main source for information for the personnel conducting the actual work. Data management systems are also utilised; however, they should better support the communication needs of product designers. In addition, companies with own products should better acknowledge the communication needs of their sub-contractors and their personnel. Investments in well-functioning communication, both planning and follow-up, should be made at project, product development and organisational levels.

Keywords: communication needs; new product development; NPD; information management; project management; high-tech industries; project managers; communication improvement; web-based surveys; world wide web; internet; personnel perceptions; workforce; information sources; primary sources; personal relations; data management; product designers; sub-contractors; communication planning; communication follow-up; high-technology companies; Finland; software industry; development enhancement; electronics industry; telecommunications industry; enterprise development. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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