Modularity in cooperative product development: the case of the MCC 'smart' car. (11th July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stephan, Michael; Pfaffmann, Eric; Sanchez, Ron
• Is Part Of: International journal of technology management. Volume 42:Number 4((2008)
• Page Start: 439
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2008-07-11
• Subjects: development partnerships -- interfirm collaboration -- modular architectures -- modular organisations -- modular product development -- outsourcing -- quasi-integration -- cooperation -- Micro Compact Car -- smart cars -- automobile industry -- early supplier involvement -- modularity -- automotive product development; Technology -- Management -- Periodicals; 658.4062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-5730

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationships between the product development processes, modular product architectures and a modular interfirm organisation. We use the case of Micro Compact Car (MCC), the company that developed and produced the 'smart' city car and is now a division of Daimler. We examine the ways in which the company applied a revolutionary approach to outsourcing, early supplier involvement and quasi-integration and a 'modular' organisation. The paper also suggests some deficiencies in MCC's initial approach and proposes a framework for assessing architectural capabilities in product development, intended to improve the organisation of collaborative modular development projects.