Product Development Methodology for Machine Tools : A Framework for Evaluating Core Competance in Machine Tools Manufacturer

Abstract

The strategic importance of new product development is steadily increasing and machine tools manufacturers require effective new product development methodology to achieve sustainable competitive advantages. New product development strategy is an essential element of the overall corporate strategy and especially the decision of selecting optimal resource has significant effects on customers' satisfaction and product quality. However, most of the current available methodologies remain limited performance. In this study, the key capabilities of some machine tools manufacture have been summarized based on the results of the interview investigations with top managements in Japanese machine tools manufactures. Furthermore, a structured method for identifying and evaluating the core competence in machine tools manufacturers can be proposed using pairwise comparison matrices. By using the proposed method, the core competence in an objective machine tools manufacturer can be evaluated from both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.