Managing new product development in the Chinese steel industry: an empirical investigation. (1st January 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Xueli; Steffens, Paul; Schroder, Bill
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology management. Volume 24:Number 5/6(2002)
• Page Start: 557
• Page End: 568
• Publication Date: 2002-01-01
• Subjects: new product development -- innovation -- Chinese steel industry -- success -- successful factors -- product management; Technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-5730

Abstract

This study explores several important aspects of the management of new product development (NPD) in the Chinese steel industry. Specifically, it explores NPD success factors, the importance of management functions to new product success and measures of new product success from the perspective of the industry's practitioners. Based on a sample of 190 industrial practitioners from 18 Chinese steel companies, the study provides a mixed picture as China makes the transition from a centrally-controlled to market-based economy. On one hand, respondents ranked understanding users' needs as the most important factor influencing the performance of the new products. Further, formulating new product strategy and strengthening market research are perceived as the most important managerial functions in NPD. However, technical performance measures are regarded as more important and are more widely used in industry than market-based or financial measures of success.