Managerial Issues in Modularizing Complex Products
Paper in proceeding, 2004

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, like desks and computers. 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 issues that needed to be dealt with. We synthesise these into three major issues, which needed management attention to be resolved. Managerial implications of our research follows.

Author

Magnus Persson

Chalmers, Department of Operations Management and Work Organization

Pär Åhlström

Chalmers, Department of Operations Management and Work Organization

EIASM - 11th International Product Development Management Conference in Dublin, Ireland, 21-22 June

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

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Created

10/6/2017