Full citation

Meyer, M. H., Osiyevskyy, O., Libaers, D., & van Hugten, M. (2017). Does Product Platforming Pay Off?. Journal of Product Innovation Management.                           

Research notes: Cites: #9 Fransman, M. (2008). Disaggregating Firms in Analysing the Costs and Benefits of the University-Industry Relationship: Based on an Analytical and Empirical Study from Scotland. Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 17(1-2), 123-136.

Format: Peer-reviewed journal article

Type: Non-experimental study

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: Product platforming when applied to R&D means to produce a line of new products using shared systems to be introduced and used together. Some studies have disproven the effectiveness of platforming, but product platforming is common practice in private industry.

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: small business, large business, university, government.

Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Project managers, researchers.

Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Basic

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

Primary findings

Barriers

Platformed products by nature aggregate towards the most prevalent user needs. This may cause smaller groups’ needs to go unaddressed or underserved.
Case study analysis
Occurrences within the model: NtK Step 1.1, 4.1, 4.12

Carriers

  • Platformed products perform better in the market.
    Case study analysis
    Occurrences within the model:  NtK Steps 7.10, 9.3
  • Results from product platforming efforts are proven to last throughout the product life cycle in comparison to non-platformed products.
    Case study analysis
    Occurrences within the model:  NtK Steps 7.13, 8.3, 9.3

Method

Modular product architecture is a product generation strategy where one subsystem is created, and then efficiently expanded upon and split into many varietal products.
Case study analysis
Occurrences within the model: NtK Tip 4.12, 5.4, 7.10, 8.1