Product Modularisation and Organisational Coordination
Journal article, 2013

Product modularization can bring a lot of benefits, for example shorter lead-time since different modules can be developed in parallel. Existing literature proposes that by standardizing interfaces, it is possible to avoid coordination problems in the development of different modules; coordination problems that might be caused by conflicts calling for management decisions. We test this assumption by investigating two modules in a new car development project. Despite having standardized and simple interfaces to other modules, managerial involvement in coordination was still needed. Hence, dividing a product into modules does not eliminate the need for a managerial hierarchy making important decisions.

organizational coordination

decision-making

modularization

Author

Magnus Persson

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

Pär Åhlström

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Supply and Operations Management

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management

1470-9511 (ISSN) 17415012 (eISSN)

Vol. 13 1 55-74

Areas of Advance

Production

Subject Categories

Other Natural Sciences

DOI

10.1504/IJATM.2013.052779

More information

Latest update

3/2/2022 6