An evaluation of organisational groundwork and learning objectives for new product development

Abstract

This paper discusses New Product Development (NPD) Process and the perception required for effective NPD Learning (NPDL). A model of learning for NPD organisations is presented and the necessity to assess progression towards learning objectives at the individual, job and organisation level is shown. Three aspects of organisational groundwork are identified and discussed. These include developing the NPD process, implementing the NPD strategy and allocating resources for NPD and NPDL. Ten sets of learning objectives are identified and discussed. These are organisational analysis, barrier demolition, team working, flexible problem solving, use of advanced support tools, facilitating communication, maintaining communication, decision making, assessment of the NPD process and NPDL, and NPD risk analysis. It is proposed that adopting both an organisational needs analysis and individual needs analyses can support the development of NPD organisations. These analyses will identify the groundwork that should be undertaken by the organisation and the initial learning objectives for the individuals. The progression of NPD through the NPD process can then be assessed and implemented sufficiently