1. Discussion Questions December 6, 2012 POSTECH Strategic Management of Information and Technology Laboratory (POSMIT: http://posmit.postech.ac.kr) Dept. of Industrial & Management Engineering POSTECH

2. 2 Discussion Questions ■Chapter 11. Managing the New Product Development Process 3.Are there some industries in which a parallel process would not be possible or effective? –Industry in which small product design changes result in large process design changes  A parallel development process would probably not be well suited Necessary to have product design completely finished before process design commences More project-specific than industry-specific –For example, if a firm is contemplating whether to construct a part out of pressed steel or injection molded plastic, such a decision will have drastic implications for the design process used and it would be unlikely to commence process design or manufacturing until product design is finalized. –Similarly, if a product design will require regulatory or customer approval (e.g., the development of a military aircraft for a defense contract, or the proposed design of a building, etc.), it may not make sense to commence process design or manufacturing until such approval is secured. Students may come up with other examples.

3. 3 Discussion Questions ■Chapter 11. Managing the New Product Development Process 4.What are the benefits and costs of involving customers and suppliers in the development process? –Benefits of involving customers High possibility to stay focused on projects that meet the customer’s needs, resulting in more successful projects –Benefits of involving suppliers An additional source of information and ideas, perhaps suggesting an alternative input that can reduce costs or time to market Ensuring that any necessary changes are made quickly in order to minimize development time –Cost of involving customers and suppliers Any time more individuals are added to a process, the cost of managing everyone increases (In the above instances, however, the potential savings is likely to outweigh the costs)