Gerald I. Susman

Recognition and reconciliation of differences in interpretation of misalignments when collaborative technologies are introduced into new product development teams

Abstract This article synthesizes and extends existing theories of how teams adopt and adapt to collaborative technology (CT) by recognizing misalignments between technology, task, organization, and the group (TTOG), and then devising appropriations to deal with them. Existing theories give inadequate attention to differences among team members in recognition of these misalignments, interpretation of their origin, proposed corrective actions, and reconciliation of differences. Lack of trust and increased diversity among team members exacerbate such differences. Propositions that relate to recognition of misalignments, and their reconciliation are developed. The capability to recognize and resolve differences is as important as eliminating or reducing misalignments themselves.

Technical, economic and political factors in advanced manufacturing technology implementation

Abstract The process of implementing advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) begins after the decision to commit funds for the new technology has been made. The implementation process consists of making and implementing a series of decisions. Typical decisions include system functions, resource commitments, location of pilot projects, and schedule. Such decisions have three objectives: technical, economic, and political. Our model includes four major factors that influence implementation success: the level of tolerance for acceptable decisions, the level of technical, economic and political resources available for implementation, the direction of relationships among the three objectives, and the extent to which the objectives are balanced in decision-making. Dynamics by which these four factors interrelate are discussed. Examples from an electronics company are used to illustrate the model, its theoretical contributions are discussed, and suggestions are offered as to how to successfully manage the interaction among the factors in the model.

Strategic use of computer-integrated manufacturing in the emerging competitive environment

Abstract Sources of competitive advantage are being transformed in mature industries by recent environmental trends. This paper explores these trends and identifies three strategies for seeking competitive advantage in the environment being created. This paper also explores the critical role of computer-integrated manufacturing in supporting these strategies as well as the organizational changes necessary to support them. Finally, relationships between the three strategies are discussed.

RECOGNITION AND RECONCILIATION OF DIFFERENCES IN INTERPRETATION OF MISALIGNMENTS WHEN COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGIES ARE INTRODUCED INTO NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT TEAMS.

This paper contributes to the effective management of new product development (NPD) teams that are coping with the introduction of electronic collaborative technology. CT serves a dual role in such...