PLM Library · Book
Revolutionizing Product Development
Quantum Leaps in Speed, Efficiency, and Quality
- Author
- Steven C. Wheelwright, Kim B. Clark
- Publisher
- Free Press (Simon & Schuster)
- Year
- 1992
Summary
A classic on development strategy and organizational capability, based on the authors' research into leading product development organizations.
It addresses how companies build development capability over time: aggregate project planning, development strategy, the integration of marketing, manufacturing and design, project leadership and team structures, and the management of development as a repeatable, improvable process.
Our verdict
Worth reading for the strategic view. An older book, but its treatment of development capability, project mix and cross-functional integration remains relevant and is still widely cited.
Who should read it
- —Executives and R&D leaders thinking about development strategy and capability building
- —Readers interested in the origins of heavyweight project teams and integrated development
How it relates to your work
- —The aggregate project plan concept helps balance the project portfolio against available capacity.
- —Its work on integrating marketing, design and manufacturing is the organizational backdrop that PLM processes build on.
Keep in mind
- —Published in 1992: examples and technology references are dated, though the management concepts hold up.
- —Strategic and organizational in focus; no coverage of modern digital tools or PLM systems.