Poul H. Kyvsgård Hansen

Platform development: implications for portfolio management

The challenge of implementing industrial platforms in practice can be described as a configuration problem caused by a considerable number of variables, which often have contradictory influences on the total performance of the firm. Consequently, the specific platform decisions become extremely complex, possibly increasing the strategic risks for the firm. This paper reports preliminary findings on platform management process at LEGO, a Danish toy company. Specifically, we report the process of applying games combined with simulations and workshops in the platform development. We also propose a framework, based on the portfolio management thinking to evaluate the degree of modularity embedded in a given platform and to which extent it is aligned with other platforms.

Get a grip on sense-making and exploration dealing with complexity through serious play

This paper focuses on the relationships between complex problems, sense-making, and exploration. We argue that we increasingly face complex problems for which we do not yet have effective coping methods. We further argue that, given the nature of these problems, it is useful to explore the role of play and games as effective coping methods. Through play we can make sense of complex phenomena and explore features thereof. Games, and in particular online games, seem to provide interesting features for capturing and dealing with complex problems. However, we argue that the games are not yet matured enough to fit the requirements for coping with specific professional settings. This leads us to propose a framework that includes games as one of four mechanisms. The framework is tested in a professional case.

Complexity in Managing Modularization

In general, the phenomenon of managing modularization is not well known. The cause-effect relationships between modularization and realized benefits are complex and comprehensive. Though a number of research works have contributed to the study of the phenomenon of efficient and effective modularization management it is far from clarified. Recognizing the need for further empirical research, we have studied 40 modularity cases in various companies. The studies have been designed as long-term studies leaving time for various types of modularization benefits to emerge. Based on these studies we have developed a framework to support the heuristic and iterative process of planning and realizing modularisation benefits.

An incremental approach to support realization of modularization benefits

In general, the phenomenon of managing modularization is not well known. The cause-effect relationships between modularization and realized benefits are complex and comprehensive. Though a number of research works have contributed to the study of the phenomenon of efficient and effective modularization management it is far from clarified. Recognizing the need for further empirical research, we studied 40 modularity cases. Then we develop a research framework with the purpose of uncovering the current state. Furthermore, we formulate a tentative model aiming at guiding the platform management process.

Business Process innovation: The LEGO Case

Most organizations today are required not only to establish effective business processes but they are required to accommodate for changing business conditions at an increasing rate. Many business processes extend beyond the boundary of the enterprise into the supply chain and the information infrastructure therefore is critical. Today nearly every business relies on their Enterprise System (ES) for process integration and the future generations of Enterprise Systems will increasingly be driven by business process models. Consequently process modelling and improvement will become vital for business process innovation (BPI) in future organizations. This paper explores the applicability of one particular methodology for Business Process Innovation to deal with the challenge that the LEGO organization is facing with the alignment of their product development process and their supply chain. The paper conclude that there is a potential for experimental learning using games as in the process design.