Abstract: Product development decisions are a great management challenge, especially in a turbulent business environment. Management is forced to make decisions before they have essential information on markets and technologies. This study analyses how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies cope with the uncertainty and challenges caused by the changing environment, focusing particularly on the role of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities. This article highlights that when properly conducted, V&V can aid in providing required information and help obtain a more profound understanding during the early part of product development. The study covers three company types: companies with their own products, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and subcontractors.
Abstract: Environmental awareness has been raised globally, and as a consequence, sustainability is increasingly under focus. Due to increased demand from end-users and tightened legislation, companies must seriously take sustainability into account. Typically, sustainability is attempted to address only after product realisation. However, best sustainability results can be obtained through earlier consideration, guiding relevant requirements directly to product development (PD). This paper analyses how a significant ICT company combines sustainability and PD with design for excellence practices. The results include a description of practical realisation of design for sustainability together with its main challenges.
Abstract: Purpose – Requirements management has become a challenge for new product development (NPD) as products are getting increasingly complicated and customer segments more fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to provide new ideas for improving requirements management in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.
Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative interview study is carried out in the ICT sector to clarify the current challenges in requirements management. The results of the interview study are analysed using a benchmark from the automotive industry. This benchmark is chosen, as the automotive industry is a developed business sector that has streamlined its business processes, including its requirements management.
Findings – The paper shows how ICT can benefit from the experience of the car industry on issues such as managing customer needs throughout the NPD process, overflow of data and communicating requirements with suppliers.
Research limitations/implications – Using another sector as a benchmark is not a straightforward process and results cannot be directly copied. Fresh ideas are, however, obtainable when a well-developed benchmark is used and results are applied flexibly. Deeper analysis on individual areas indentified here might be interesting topics for further study.
Practical implications – The paper shows that managers in the ICT sector should pay more attention to their requirements management and serving the needs of internal customers. The requirements management of the Japanese automotive industry is a potential source for improvement initiatives.
Originality/value – The paper provides new perspectives for the requirements management of the ICT sector by benchmarking the Japanese automotive industry.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a tangible example of organisational solutions in effective design for manufacturing (DfM) in a large information and communications technology (ICT) company.
Design/methodology/approach – An interview study was carried out in a leading ICT company to clarify the practical realisation of DfM, and the current challenges encountered. The interviews covered all the key persons involved in DfM and related processes, in a case company that has successfully applied DfM for over a decade.
Findings – The paper shows the importance of a separate management organisation for coordinating the requirements of internal functions. With relation to the case company, this organisation, in contrast to the literature, is located in production, not in product development. Despite the successful application of DfM, the case company still has challenges in exploitation of related data systems.
Research limitations/implications – This paper describes one of the top companies in its field. However, the obtained results could vary to some degree, should a wider set of companies be included in the study.
Practical implications – Managers of other companies could learn from this example at three levels: organisational solutions for DfM, its practical realisation, and the challenges encountered.
Originality/value – The existing literature is relatively scarce on organisational implications of DfM implementation. This paper identifies a functional organisational location, structure and practical realisation for effective DfM.
Abstract: This paper examines the maturity of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities in the different phases of a New Product Development (NPD) chain. A Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)-based Verification-Validation Maturity Model (V2M2) is utilised for the analysis. In this study, the maturity of V&V activities is analysed based on interviews conducted in major Scandinavian telecom companies. The study highlights how the maturity of V&V in production is higher than in earlier NPD phases. The overall maturity of V&V activities is found to require significant improvement.
Abstract: This paper examines ways of managing testing more efficiently and
effectively. The importance and the workload of testing have been
growing constantly in the telecommunication industry, as a result of
shorter product lifecycles and decreased time-to-market. At thesame
time, the complexity of products has increased with a decrease in
physical dimensions. Managers face enormous challenges in developing
knowledge and effective testing processes. This case study
proposes the application of twomodels, a testing optimizationmodel
and an extended V2M2 (Verification Validation Maturity Model)
model, for managing the value of testing. In the empirical part of the
study, the present state of testing management is examined.
Abstract: This article examines the maturity of company practises from two different perspectives. The overall management system is analysed by using the People Capability Maturity Model. The maturity of an operational function is scrutinised by using the Verification and Validation Maturity Model (V2M2). Verification and Validation (V&V) was chosen as an example as it has become a challenging function for the management of the high technology sector. Even the best performer in the managerial maturity analyses, a major Scandinavian telecom company has significant difficulties with the V&V maturity. Typically, small and medium sized companies should concentrate on developing their overall management system before they can reach high maturity in single operational functions.
Abstract: Business environment in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector is turbulent. Requirements for products change even during new product development (NPD). Profound information during the early part of NPD is critical for success, and verification and validation activities can aid in providing this required information. Also, developing parallel technologies and product alternatives during the early NPD supports gaining this information. Although developing multiple options may seem a waste of resources, this may prove beneficial, even for small and medium sized companies, in a changing environment. This study analyses how ICT companies deal with challenges caused by technological uncertainties.
Abstract: The telecom sector is facing great challenges in its New Product Development (NPD) as products are getting increasingly complicated and customer segments more fragmented. This study uses a benchmark from the automotive industry to obtain ideas for improving NPD and requirements management in the telecom sector. Toyota was chosen as the benchmark as the automotive industry has been a large volume, mature and competitive business sector, and Toyota has been successful in streamlining its business processes and in meeting customer needs. The study clarifies the similarities and the main differences between interviewed telecom companies and NPD practices at Toyota.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide tangible examples of product data management (PDM) practices in large high-tech companies, and to highlight current challenges.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a qualitative interview study. First, a PDM system frame was defined to aid analyses. Second, an interview study was carried out in four companies to clarify the practical realisation of PDM, and the current challenges. The interviewees are experts in the field of PDM, currently holding significant related posts in their companies.
Findings – Overall, PDM activities are similar in all companies, however, there is some diversity in the realisation of these practices. PDM related challenges identified in this study are various, strongly influenced by company background and current organisational state.
Research limitations/implications – This paper includes interviews in four companies with different backgrounds, and a workshop, providing a good view on topical issues in the field of PDM. The obtained results could vary to some degree, should the sample size be larger, or especially should the products of the studied companies be less complex.
Practical implications – This paper provides managers and PDM system developers' with a better understanding over the issues that are affecting PDM solution development and on major system requirements, together with relevant insight on current challenges.
Originality/value – The existing literature is relatively scarce in describing the practicalities of PDM. The obtained results highlight the significance of company background influencing the selection of PDM solutions.
Abstract: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector is facing continuous changes in its New Product Development (NPD) as products become increasingly complicated and customer segments more fragmented. Price erosion is also an escalating challenge for the management in the ICT sector. The automotive sector was chosen as a benchmark as it has been a large-volume and competitive business sector for decades, and has streamlined its processes to meet severe price targets. This study utilises Toyota's product development model as a learning platform and presents improvement ideas for three different types of ICT companies: large, small and suppliers.
Abstract: This research examines a design and development process for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). SMEs have to perform this process well for business success. The study tackles the confusion over the roles of Industrial Design (ID) within this process. This confusion potentially hinders SMEs' long-term competitiveness. The study is part of the Concurrent Design in Networks (CODENET) project in Finland, which focuses on improving ID in design and development. A total of six case companies from the Oulu region are observed and studied. The findings show that the confusion highlights various perceived roles of ID, a lack of interaction and two-way communication, external design sources, etc. In an attempt to address these problems, a practical framework, derived from Concurrent Engineering (CE), is jointly proposed to case companies. This framework stresses the importance of working together across functional units within and outside an SME. It should be recognised that this framework is mainly for business-to-business circumstances.
Abstract: The application of electronics and software technologies is spreading to new areas, because they offer new feature possibilities. Consequently, these technologies require more Validation and Verification (V&V) efforts, resulting in increased costs and slower time-to-market for new products. The ICT industry has been forced to significantly improve its V&V processes. In this study, major Scandinavian telecom companies have been interviewed to clarify the challenges of V&V, and to identify ways to tackle them. The management of traditional industrial sectors could use the experiences from the ICT sector as a benchmark, as they will face the same challenges.
Abstract: This paper studies the simultaneous optimisation of quality and costs in mass-production of complex electronics products. Testing has become a critical bottleneck for assuring quality, requiring a large amount of time and resources. The volume of especially functional testing must be minimised to reduce costs. Sampling is a potential way to obtain this. Unfortunately, existing sampling methods are not functional in the modern electronics environment with multiple tests. This paper presents new efficient methods, based on continuous sampling plan (CSP) procedures. The applicability of the developed methods is confirmed empirically by analysing and simulating real industrial data.
Abstract: In modern electronics, specifications for products have constantly been tightened due to performance competition. The processes for product development and manufacturing have been developed to meet the tighter specifications and quality requirements. The development of test methods and measurement devices have not been as fast, and as a consequence, the relative impact of measurement errors has increased. Traditionally, the measurement inaccuracies have been compensated by tightening the acceptance limits. This study concentrates on analysing, through simulation, how companies should minimise the failure costs by adjusting acceptance limits. The study shows, in contrast to the conventional thinking, that widening the acceptance limits makes business sense in some cases.
Abstract: High tech companies have realised that acknowledging the needs of internal
customers is a necessity for successful new product development (NPD). It has
been clear for product development already for some time that manufacturability
must be taken into account already during the NPD process. Requirements for
products typically change during product development, and requirements
management has become an ever greater challenge for high tech companies. This challenge is accumulated by the fact that requirements are interpreted differently in different parts of organisations. Design for excellence (DfX) is a potential way for addressing internal customers and for harmonising practices. DfX cannot only be seen as a way to collect internal best practices, but also as a means to disseminate information and realise the implementation of these practices. This paper clarifies the historical background of DfX to understand its origins. In addition, this study describes the structure of DfX by analysing its interrelation with designer’s actual work, methods & tools, and organisational aspects.
Abstract: The ICT sector is facing challenges in its new product development (NPD) as
products are getting increasingly complicated, and customer segments more
fragmented. The ICT industry requires fresh ideas and perspectives and therefore it can be beneficial to understand how other sectors cope with their product development. The automotive sector has been a large volume, mature and competitive business sector, which makes this sector a potential benchmark for other industries. Toyota has been successful in streamlining its business processes, and in meeting customer needs. In addition, the quality image of Toyota makes this benchmark credible. This is the motivation for this paper to analyse the Toyota NPD model. This article is a book review on Toyota NPD model by Morgan and Liker (2006).
Abstract: This paper studies product data management (PDM) practices, in the European telecom sector. The telecom sector has experienced an enormous volume growth and radical technological developments, even though this recently turbulent business sector seems to be gradually stabilising. Companies must continually develop their practices in order to maintain their competitiveness. PDM over the entire product life-cycle is becoming ever greater challenge for large telecom companies. This study clarifies the current status of PDM in these companies. In addition, the Japanese automotive industry was used as a benchmark to obtain fresh development ideas. This benchmark is interesting due to their decades’ long experience over streamlining processes, with simultaneous cost effectiveness, customer orientation, and seemingly effective PDM practices. This study indicates how the studied European telecom companies do not manage product data sufficiently. The study also revealed that European companies have a lot to learn from the Japanese car industry.
Abstract: Products and product value chain has become increasingly complicated, within the telecommunications industry. In the past, businesses and testing was driven by technology. However, currently and even more in the future, business activities and testing will be driven by the end-user. Terminology for the end-user orientated thinking does exist, yet it does not directly solve the problems of managing end-user orientated testing throughout the product value chain. This paper intends to open discussion and to initiate interest and research for managing testing based on the needs of end-users. The needs of the end-user should be at the focal point when planning and optimising testing processes in complicated value systems. User experience driven optimization offers new ideas for managing testing process more rationally.
Abstract: Testing is a vital part of product development and deployment, yet testing as a profession is indistinct and undefined. The importance of testing is increasing in today’s competitive markets, especially within hi-tech industries. Strategic management of testing will play a key role in tomorrow’s success and the significance of testing for business success will be recognised to the level of quality. Generally recognised testing knowledge is yet to be organised so that it could be harnessed for more effective application from the business perspective and to allow better understanding of the profession of testing. A documented testing framework could act as a first point of exposure in testing and related activities, and provide an important step towards a complete testing theory. Professions of project management and software engineering have already formed their generally recognised knowledge into periodically updated guides to their respective bodies of knowledge. These efforts have successfully provided benefits for their prospective users and have been globally recognised. This study intends to clarify whether a documented framework for testing is needed and what is required for the establishment of this extensive operation. The study clarifies the central concepts linked to body of knowledge (BOK), testing and issues related to a documented testing framework, discussing the requirements and the possible benefits and downsides of this effort. A possible contents for Testing Body of Knowledge (TBOK) is also suggested. The study points out how body of knowledge for testing profession would allow an easy access to the knowledge of testing and enable effective improvement in developing and progressing testing occupation. The definition of the testing profession would also increase the appreciation and
Abstract: This research paper introduces a testing optimization model (TOM) for manufacturing. The model is based on analysis and comparison of the failure and test costs. A decision-oriented approach is used in the research, which involved: studying COQ (Cost of quality) and testing literature; creation of the optimization model; and evaluation of the model.
The importance of testing has increased constantly in the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) industry as a result of shorter product lifecycles, increased complexity of products, and decreased time-to-market. The managers lack tools for managing and optimizing testing financially and there is a need for metrics that enable testing optimization based on financial risks. This paper provides guidelines for testing optimization, for which the metrics are presented. The developed model could be used in all manufacturing companies with a testing function at required level of maturity. The paper introduces new risk based optimization model.
Abstract: The workload of Verification and Validation (V&V) has increased constantly in the high technology industries. The changes in the business environment, with fast time-to-market and demands to decrease research and development costs, have increased the importance of efficient product creation process, including V&V. The significance of the V&V related know-how and testing is increasing in the high tech business environment. As a consequence, companies in the ICT sector have pressures for improving product development process and verification and validation activities. The main motive for this research arises from the fact that the research has been scarce on verification and validation from product development process perspective.
This study approaches the above mentioned goal from four perspectives: current challenges and success factors, V&V maturity in different NPD phases, benchmarking automotive sector, and shifting the emphasis of NPD efforts.
This dissertation is qualitative in nature and is based on interviewing experienced industrial managers, reflecting their views against scientific literature. The researcher has analysed the obtained material and made conclusions.
The main implications of this doctoral dissertation can be concluded as a visible need to shift the emphasis of V&V activities to early NPD. These activities should be viewed and managed over the entire NPD process. There is a need for companies to understand the V&V maturity in different NPD phases and develop activities based on this understanding. Verification and validation activities must be seen as an integral element for successful NPD. Benchmarking other sectors may enable identifying development potential for NPD process. The automotive sector being a mature sector, has developed practices for successfully handling requirements during NPD. The role of V&V is different in different NPD phases. Set-based type V&V can provide required understanding during early product development. In addition, developing parallel technological alternatives and platforms during early NPD also support shifting the emphasis towards earlier development phases.
Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to prepare a preliminary study for the establishment of testing body of knowledge (TBoK). This thesis intends to clarify whether a documented testing framework is needed and what is required for the establishment of this extensive operation. This study was conducted as a part of current activities towards increasing the interests, appreciation and understand ing of testing within the entire testing lifecycle, which is all part of the plan of creating a new worldwide centre of expertise in the field of testing for the Oulu region.
The study is divided into theoretical framework and empirical part, combining
qualitative and quantitative techniques. Theoretical part clarifies the central concepts linked to body of knowledge, testing and issues related to TboK, discussing the needs, requirements and the possible benefits and downsides of a guide to TboK. Whereas empirical part focuses on the current research interests in the testing field and provides a level of judgement of the most active institutions and authors. The findings of the study are tested with material from industry interviews clarifying whether theory and practice do meet.
This thesis clearly proves that there is a need for a documented testing framework, which could act as a first point of exposure when understanding testing and related activities. A guide to TBoK could also act as an important step towards a complete testing theory. Presenting testing within the context of testing life cycle would make testing easier to understand and would provide a better view over the entire picture. Taking the different viewpoints of testing into account is also important, as for example industry is interested in the productivity of testing activities, among any other reasonings. By establishing a clear documented testing framework, it is possible to provide benefits to all the parties interested in testing and related activities.
Abstract: Tämän dokumentin tarkoituksena on antaa neuvoja tohtoriksi pyrkiville niin jatko-opintojen suorittamisesta kuin väitöskirjan ja artikkeleiden kirjoittamisesta. Keskeinen tavoite on opastaa siihen, miten näitä asioita voitaisiin tehdä nopeasti ja tehokkaasti. Tarkoituksena on tehostaa jatko-opintojen suorittamista ja väitöskirjan tekemistä tieteellisyyden tasoa uhraamatta. Tämä dokumentti ei pyri olemaan täydellinen väitöskirjan teko-ohje. Dokumentti sisältää tekijöiden mielipiteitä väitöskirjan tekemisen tehostamisesta perustuen tekijöiden omaan kokemukseen.
Muodostimme aikanaan kolmen hengen tutkimusryhmän ja suoritimme tohtoritutkintomme kolmessa vuodessa. Vuosiin sisältyi pirstaleisten projektien alkamisiin ja päättymisiin sekä rahoitukseen liittyviä huolia, jatko-opintojen suorittaminen, väitöskirjojen ja 15 Journal-artikkelin kirjoittaminen. Mielestämme ratkaiseva seikka väitöskirjaprojektien onnistumisessa oli tiivis tiimityöskentely. Tähän oppaaseen olemme tiivistäneet keskeisimmät opit näistä kolmesta vuodesta.
Ryhmässämme oli vahvaa kokemusta yrityselämästä, jossa pärjätäkseen on pakko olla tehokas. Kokemuksemme mukaan yliopistossa uusi tulokas liian usein aloittaa alusta ja oppii kantapään kautta samat asiat, jotka muut ovat jo aiemmin oppineet. Mielestämme liian usein jatko-opiskelu ja väitöskirjan tekeminen on monelta osin tehotonta. Dokumentti ei pyri olemaan kaiken kattava, vaan haluamme esittää ne pääopit, jotka olemme itse tiedostaneet. Toisaalta tavoitteenamme on tuoda esille ja kannustaa välttämään niitä toimintatapoja, joiden olemme havainneet hidastavan monien väitöskirjantekijöiden edistymistä. Lukijan kannattaa huomata, että väitöskirjan tekemiseen on olemassa lukuisia eri oppaita, joita tämä dokumentti pyrkii vain täydentämään erityisesti väitöskirjaprojektin nopeuttamisen näkökulmasta.
Abstract: This document aims to provide tips to PhD students, in all fields, for writing a doctoral dissertation, and for writing scientific articles. The central focus is on how to conduct the work effectively and speed up the process. The intention is to enable researchers to rationalise their graduate studies and the writing of their doctoral thesis, while maintaining high scientific standards. This document is continuity for a document “Vinkkejä väitöskirjaprosessin nopeuttamiseen” originally published in Finnish. This English version is more advanced and includes acknowledging the received feedback from multiple scientific disciplines, as well as the feedback from tangible guidance cases.
