Accelerating the Design-Build-Test Cycle for Effective New Product Development

By the end of this activity you will be able to:

1. Set up team interaction using the most appropriate communication model for the task

2. Minimize the number of design-build-test cycles performed by the development team you are responsible for

3. Ensure your development team produces more timely, high quality products

4. Select emerging technologies that allows your development team to perform efficiently

Reading Material (R-IV-7) is included in the attachment below. discusses the competitive advantages a firm may gain by developing high quality products rapidly, which includes market shares and margins.

This may be done by accelerating the iterative design-test-build cycle, as well as limiting the number of cycles needed, by appropriate communication channels and advanced design tools. Four models of communication are discussed in R-IV-7: Serial/Batch, Early Start in the Dark, Early Involvement, and Integrated Problem Solving.

The choices firms make regarding communication between upstream and downstream groups and how to link the actual work in time shapes the nature of cross-functional integration of the development process and the success of the project.

Guiding Questions to Consider Prior to the Discussion

1. What are advantages due to developing high quality products rapidly for a firm?

2. What is meant by ‘framing the problem'?

3. What can be done to minimize the number of design-build-test cycles?

4. Which model of communication requires the least resources?

5. Which model of communication may result in more costly mistakes?

Read R-IV-7, "Accelerating the Design-Build-Test Cycle for Effective New Product Development"

Four models of communication are discussed in R-IV-7: Serial/Batch, Early Start in the Dark, Early Involvement, and Integrated Problem Solving.

In your discussion, an example of a product development project that would be suited for each of these communication models, addressing the questions posed under "Guiding Questions".

Also consider documentation costs. Consider that, though necessary communication of utmost importance, unnecessary communication is a waste of resources.

Post your response (250-300 word minimum) to the Discussion Board.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6fq9vtmpznv4ri0/Reading%20Material.pdf?dl=0