Nusa Fain

The effect of R&D-marketing integration on NPD success - the case of SMEs in the growing economy of Slovenia

This paper investigates the effect of R&D-marketing integration in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in growing economies. In particular, the effects of integration mechanisms (formalisation, centralisation and organisational climate) on cross-functional integration gap and new product development (NPD) success are analysed. Data from Slovenian SMEs were collected through a questionnaire survey. The effect of R&D-marketing integration on NPD success was analysed with factor analysis, correlations analysis and partial least square analysis. The results of the study demonstrate similar effects of organisational climate on the cross-functional integration gap and NPD success in Slovenia as reported in Western countries. Significant direct effects of formalisation and organisational climate on NPD success are also found. Centralisation, however, has no significant effect, neither on the cross-functional integration gap nor on NPD success. This study contributes to R&D-marketing integration research by providing a modified set of integration mechanisms effects on R&D-marketing integration and NPD success for SMEs. The model can be applied to SMEs in growing economies for the assessment of R&D-marketing integration in order to increase NPD success.

R&D-marketing integration in innovation – does culture matter?

Purpose – This paper takes an exploratory approach towards understanding the applicability of established theoretical frameworks for cross-functional integration in different global environments. In particular, the role of culture is considered as its impact on organizations may affect the ability to create a global generic model for cross-functional integration in product development. In order to achieve this aim, the paper will explore two cases from different cultural environments, namely that of Slovenia and the UK. Design/methodology/approach – The authors compare two different companies, based on their case profile and cultural background. Both are heavy engineering companies involved in product development, one originating in the developing economy of Slovenia, the other from the developed UK economy. The authors have employed a mix methodology, including literature and documentation analysis, questionnaire surveys and interviews. Findings – Combining organizational climate and consequently informa...

Evaluation of a method and a computer tool for generating concept designs

The authors have developed a method/computer tool to assist (student) engineering designers in generating concept designs. The method is based on the chaining of physical laws and complementary basic schemata (BS). The tool generates chains which serve as an aid in the development of concept designs. In this paper, the authors compare concept designs generated by a control group (which used functional structure and morphological matrix) with those from an experimental group that used computer-generated chains. The experimental group was found to have generated a greater number of different solutions than the control group; the generation of different solutions indicates a high level of variety and a better chance to find potentially innovative solutions. The established difference in the number of different solutions is statistically significant and the results indicate that the BS facilitate greater variety of concept designs.

Regulatory influences on innovation in the public sector: the role of regulatory regimes

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of regulation on innovation within the public sector. This is done by integrating two separate frameworks, related to regulatory regimes and public-sector innovation. Through a case study of the Scottish water sector a matrix integrating these frameworks has been empirically developed, illustrating a continuous improvement path for innovation in the Scottish water sector. Findings indicate that customer and shareholder accountability is manifest at the transitional interface of the regulatory regimes, facilitating movement within the different systems. Interplay with the accountabilities and adjustments to the regulatory regime are paramount for progress. Through incentives to establish partnerships, the regulator provides conditions for new ideas to emerge with reduced risk of failure. Experimentation allows a new approach towards solving problems and enhancing innovation potential within the sector. The contribution of this paper is a framework demonstrating mechanisms required to move between government-centred, compliance- based regulation through to performance-oriented regulatory regimes.