Knowledge integration in integrated product development

The first objective of this study is the development of a conceptual model of knowledge integration. A clear understanding of the components of knowledge integration and their outcomes in product development may provide an important missing link in integrated product development (IPD) research. The second objective is to develop valid and reliable instruments of three components of knowledge integration (role changes, team vision, and shared knowledge) and product development performance outcomes (process outcomes, manufacturing outcomes and customer outcomes). The third objective is to explore and test the relationships between knowledge integration and IPD outcomes based on the sound theory and standardized measures developed in this research.; The methodology used to derive the instruments (measures) includes an extensive review of literature, interviews with twelve practitioners and an evaluation with seven experts in the field. A pilot study was conducted with thirty firms. An exploratory data analysis with 205 firms followed. Reliabilities of fifteen variables were high (Cronbach's alpha > 0.80) and the instruments were found to be generalizable across the industries surveyed. The factor pattern matrix for each instrument exhibited a simple structure and was easily interpretable. Good discriminant and convergent validity was evident for all instruments.; Structural equations modeling (LISREL) methodology was used to test the relationships between constructs. Research findings support the notion that role changes of design and manufacturing engineers affect the extent of team vision and shared knowledge. It also supports the direct relationship between team vision and shared knowledge, between shared knowledge and product development outcomes (process and product outcomes), and between product development outcomes and market performance of projects.; Recommendations for future research include: (1) benchmark studies of firms by applying the instruments developed in this research to improve actual IPD performances; (2) a combination of work and knowledge integration measures to assess more comprehensive process and product outcomes of IPD; (3) confirmatory factor analysis, the use of multiple methods of obtaining data, and incorporation of contextual variables (e.g. knowledge environment).