Measuring knowledge in the new product development process

Abstract

Purpose

To present a measurement framework to capture the importance of the use of knowledge within the new product development (NPD) process.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review enabled 200 product development measures to be compiled. These were categorised into six dimensions: stakeholder contribution, operating context, reuse, invention, exploitation, and NPD performance. Four companies applied selected measures and assessed the cube for its ability to improve measurement and management of their NPD process. This process refined the approach. A web‐based questionnaire (with 130 responses) assessed how a wider population perceived their performance and capability to measure performance in each of the six dimensions.

Findings

Respondents consider themselves capable of delivering good products and services, but are less confident in their ability to manage and measure knowledge reuse, invention and exploitation activities.

Research limitations/implications

Full implementation of the measurement cube was not possible. Further research should assess the comprehensiveness, applicability and usefulness of the approach in more detail.

Practical implications/implications

Introduction of the measurement cube and measures in the six dimensions identified would enable companies to go beyond traditional financial measures for their NPD processes and move towards a more performance‐oriented culture.

Originality/value

This paper synthesises the results from many other isolated studies on NPD metrics. In addition, it focuses on the measurement of the NPD process from a knowledge perspective, providing an integrating framework (the measurement cube), which is unique.

Citation

Lettice, F., Roth, N. and Forstenlechner, I. (2006), "Measuring knowledge in the new product development process", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 55 No. 3/4, pp. 217-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410400610653200