THE INFLUENCE OF LEAN MANUFACTURING PRACTICES ON JOINT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The focus of this article is to examine potential influence of lean manufacturing (LM) practices on joint product development (JPD). Comparison of several key factors show high degree of similarities between the two methods. Several hypotheses regarding similarities between the factors for the two methods were developed and tested. Survey data from a sample of manufacturing organizations strongly supports the hypotheses regarding similarities between the factors for the two methods. Statistical results also indicate compared with conventional product development methods, organizations utilizing JPD are in a much better competitive position by being able to develop products faster with better quality, higher frequency, and lower development and manufacturing costs. Broader managerial implication of the research is that successful implementation of LM principles goes much beyond inventory reduction and frequent deliveries. For LM organizations success in JPD is the result of knowledge and technology transfer from their LM system into their new product development process.