Managerial issues in modularizing complex products
Journal article, 2006

Modularisation is an increasingly common strategy for many companies. However, present literature is lacking in two respects. First, it tends to focus on the positive effects of modularisation, disregarding any problems during the modularisation process. Second, it is mostly based on rather simple products. We identify managerial issues in modularising complex products. Through a four-year in-depth case study at Volvo Car Corporation, we uncovered a number of problems that needed to be dealt with. We synthesise these into three major issues, which need management attention to be resolved.

automotive industry

managerial issues

complex products

Modularisation

product development

Author

Magnus Persson

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Operations Management and Work Organisation

Pär Åhlström

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Operations Management and Work Organisation

Technovation

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

More information

Latest update

12/13/2018