Dolan, RJ & Matthews, JM. (1993). Maximizing the utility of customer product testing: Beta test design and management. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 10, 318-330.
Format: Peer-reviewed article
Type: Research — Non-experimental
Experience level of reader: Fundamental
Annotation: Article presents guidelines for effective management of Beta test programs, and explain how they can serve multiple purposes such as: validate the product concept, eliminate performance problems prior to market introduction, and serve as an effective sales promotion device.
Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Large business, Small business (less than 500 employees), University
Knowledge user(s) to whom the piece of literature may be relevant: Manufacturers, Researchers
Knowledge user level addressed by the literature: Organization
This article uses the Commercial Devices and Services version of the NtK Model
Carrier: Guidelines for effective Beta Test program management: 1) Product design should be frozen prior to Beta testing. 2) Effective Beta testing programs recognize the full set of benefits possible (as shown in Figure 1). 3) Maximum utility of Beta testing is derived from recognizing the segmentation of the market, and devising ways of making the Beta tests as close approximations to real-world experiences. 4) As a general control rule, grow the number of Beta sites over time; begin with sophisticated customers who have good relations with the company.
Literature review, analysis of twenty-one programs, and four in-depth field investigations.
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 6.3, Step 6.1