Managing the Development of New Products : Achieving Speed and Quality Simultaneously Through Multifunctional Teamwork

Today's competitive marketplace demands high quality and a fast track from drawing board to finished product. This guide shows how companies can gain a competitive edge by applying powerful project management tools to the product development process. The authors focus on speed to market, quality management, profitability, and multifunctional teamwork. They provide tools for handling the technical concerns of project development and maintenance, as well as people-related issues such as team motivation and the demands of top management. Particular attention is given to saving time and streamlining performance with the latest project management software. Chapters on everything from start-up to completion cover how to: Define the new product project aims and goals Create a market-based specification for a new or modified product or service Plan, develop, and schedule projects Break down the work structure for a project Manage people for maximum performance Monitor projects effectively from start to finish Make the right trade-offs when resources are limited Minimize risks and set up effective contingency plans Determine when changes are needed and adopt them smoothly A step-by-step plan is provided for all the members of the product development team, including marketing, engineering, manufacturing, and other personnel. Strategies cover how to organize the product project team and product support team, complete with tips on assigning tasks, coordinating functions, and subcontracting. Detailed guidelines on how to be a successful project manager address control, communication, and conflict resolution. Also discussed is how to monitor project progress, including preparing reports and conducting project reviews. Many practical examples show how to apply the book's techniques in real-world situations. Managing the Development of New Products is essential reading for new product development team members at all levels, including marketing, engineering, and manufacturing personnel. Professors and students in departments of business management or engineering management will also find the book valuable.