Frishammar, J. & Ylinenpaa, H. (2007). Managing Information in New Product Development: A Conceptual Review, Research Propositions and Tentative Model. International Journal of Innovation Management, 11(4), 441-467.

Format: Peer-reviewed article

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: This article offers 11 propositions about types of information, the sources of information and the management of information in terms of successful new product development. Upon the evaluation of four case studies and a literature review, the authors claim that managing information is crucial to new product development performance and that it is possible to learn how to manage information. Management of many different kinds of information and information sources is linked with high new product development performance.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Small business (less than 500 employees)

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Manufacturers, Researchers

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization

This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model

Method: Secure early access to and use of customer information in order to have effective new product development.
All respondents from the case studies reported on the importance of early access and use of customer information.
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.11

• Be effective in using certain types of information and different information sources and use cross-functional integration between functions and departments. These practices will lead to higher NPD performance.
  Claim was stated based on responses from case studies and the literature review.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Stage 2, Stage 1, Stage 4

• Identify internal individuals who have strong links to external information as they can play a key role in the screening of ideas as well as acquiring and sharing external information relevant to new product development.
  Both the case study respondents and the literature suggest that gatekeepers are important sources of external information.
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Gate 1

Model: Consider adopting a decentralised or flat organizational structure, as it allows for easier communication and exchange of information. (Burns & Stalker, 1961)

• Obtain technical information, both internal and external technical developments outside the organization, early on in the new product development process. (Zahay et al., 2004)
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 2.4, Tip 4.1

• Using market information correlates positively with new product development performance. (Atuahene-Gima, 1995)
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Tip 2.2, Tip 4.1

• Look for customers latent needs because a proactive market orientation is an important role for NPD performance. (Narver et al., 2004)
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 1.2, Step 1.1

• Use customer information when planning and managing the launch because the product must be positioned towards the customers' needs while communicating the product solution. A good source for finding customer information is at trade shows. (Di Benedetto [1999], Stryker [1996], Ylinenpaa [1997])
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Stage 8, Step 7.10

• Look for customers latent needs because a proactive market orientation is an important role for NPD performance. (Narver et al., 2004)
  Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 1.2, Step 1.1