21st Century Organizations and the Basis for Achieving Optimal Cross-Functional Integration in New Product Development

Abstract

The theoretical basis for achieving optimal levels of cross-functional integration in new product development and the management of large scale engineering projects is developed in this chapter. Sources of environmental uncertainty and their effects on integration requirements are identified based on the literature. Structural modes of integration are discussed and presented in a theoretical framework based on degree of integration required, progressive combined information processing capacity, and cost.