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Rhythms of learning?: Radical and incremental innovation projects and problem-solving in the automotive industry

par Taübe, Florian ;Kallenborn, Olivier
Référence DRUID Celebration Conference (XXXV: 17-19 June, 2013: Barcelona)
Publication Non publié, 2013-06

Communication à un colloque

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Résumé :

This paper studies effects of interaction and communication patterns on learning in radical and incremental New Product Development (NPD) projects. It presents results of a multiple longitudinal case study of project meetings and data exchange along a technological transition path in four sequential car development projects. To gain in depth insights, data were analyzed on project level and on problem-solving level by means of a mixed-method approach. We contribute to the literature on organizational learning and problem-solving in NPD by deriving propositions based on three rhythmic patterns identified. First, we identify that effective project-to-project learning requires communication and interaction overlap, and is moderated by project newness. Second, successful projects form a wave-shaped rhythm of communication defined by changing amplitudes and frequencies. In effective learning, communication follows a decaying oscillation. Third, we observe that interaction is best described as an s-shaped curve, reflecting phases of high and low intense artifact generation. In combination, identified patterns serve as reference values to evaluate project performance and allow managerial intervention.