Browsing Research documents by Subject "modularitet"
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outline of a research projectGammeltoft, Peter (København, 2003)[More information][Less information]
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the case of Schindler ElevatorsMikkola, Juliana Hsuan (København, 2001)[More information][Less information]
Abstract: Modularity refers to the scheme by which interfaces shared among components in a given product architecture are standardized and specified to allow for greater reusability and commonality sharing of components among product families. The management of innovation through modular product architecture strategies is gaining increasing importance for firms, not only in practice but also from a theoretical perspective. It is argued that the degree of modularity inherent in a given product architecture is sensitive and highly dependent upon the number of components and the interface constraints shared among the components, modules, sub-systems, and systems. This paper applies a mathematical model, termed modularization function, for analyzing dynamics and the degree of modularity of a given product architecture by taking into account the following variables: number of components, number of interfaces, new-to-the-firm component composition, and substitutability factor. The application of the modularization function is illustrated with two elevator systems from Schindler Lifts of Switzerland: traction and hydraulic elevators. The comparative analysis of the elevators captures the sensitivity and dynamics of product architecture modularity created by three types of components (standard, neutral, and unique) and two types of interfaces (fundamental and optional). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10398/6881 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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