Two routes of service modularization: advancing standardization and customization
Journal article, 2019

Purpose - This study aims to investigate service modularization in a manufacturing firm, identifies service modularization processes and examines how these processes change the service module characteristics. Design/methodology/approach - The study is based on a longitudinal case study (2008-2017) of a manufacturing firm. The development of six service modules was analyzed using data from interviews with key informants, informal meetings and internal documentation. Findings - This study suggests five service modularization processes, and that service module characteristics, such as standardization and interconnectedness, change in different ways depending on the service modularization processes used. It further identifies two service modularization routes that each combine the service modularization processes in unique ways with replication as a key process to improve both standardization and customization. Practical implications - This study elaborates a framework for service modularization, which can serve as a guideline for developing service modules. It also highlights the differences between product and service modularization, suggesting that the role of service module characteristics such as standardization and customization is specific for services. Originality/value - This longitudinal case study (2008-2017) provides empirical evidence on service modularization and extends existing knowledge on service modularization processes and how they influence service module characteristics.

Service innovation

New service development

Customization

Standardization

Business-to-business services

Service modules

Case study method

Qualitative research

Service infusion

Modularization

Author

Ida Gremyr

Chalmers, Technology Management and Economics, Service Management and Logistics

Aku Valtakoski

Linköping University

Lars Witell

Linköping University

Karlstad University

Journal of Services Marketing

0887-6045 (ISSN)

Vol. 33 1 73-87

Subject Categories

Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics

Business Administration

Information Systemes, Social aspects

DOI

10.1108/JSM-10-2018-0285

More information

Latest update

8/27/2019