Browsing Department of Operations Management (OM/PEØ) by Author "Mikkola, Juliana Hsuan"
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An interpretation of the bicycle industryMikkola, Juliana Hsuan (København, 2002)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: This paper aims at describing network dynamics through the lenses of modularity. Different types of networks exist as ways of coping with the dynamics of industry demands that are based on modular product architectures. In order to distinguish between different types of mechanisms in which networks (operating with modular product architectures may) evolve, two types of networks are introduced: ‘marketdriven product architecture network’ (i.e., when the industrial network is driven by product architecture that is controlled by the market) and ‘firm-driven product architecture network’ (when the industrial network is driven by product architecture that is controlled by the firm). The history of the technological development of bicycle, since 1890s to 1990s, illustrates how the bicycle industry survived two cycles of disaggregation-concentration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6286 Files in this item: 1
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Toward a General TheoryMikkola, Juliana Hsuan (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: The focus of this paper is to integrate various perspectives on product architecture modularity into a general framework, and also to propose a way to measure the degree of modularization embedded in product architectures. Various trade-offs between modular and integral product architectures and how components and interfaces influence the degree of modularization are considered. In order to gain a better understanding of product architecture modularity as a strategy, a theoretical framework and propositions are drawn from various academic literature sources. Based on the literature review, the following key elements of product architecture are identified: components (standard and new-to-the-firm), interfaces (standardization and specification), degree of coupling, and substitutability. A mathematical function, termed modularization function, is introduced to measure the degree of modularization embedded in product architectures, by taking the key elements as the main variables. Various managerial and theoretical implications of the modularization function are drawn. For instance, the function can be used as a framework to aid to examine various leveraging forces behind new product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management policies of a firm. The modularization function also allows us to study the implications of modularization from different theoretical perspectives, such as resource-based view of the firm and transaction cost economics. Finally, the application of the modularization function and its limitations are discussed. Key words: modularity, product architecture URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6287 Files in this item: 1
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