Tatikonda, M. V. & Rosenthal, S. R. (1999). Proceedings from Successful Execution of Product Development Projects: The Effects of Project Management Formality, Autonomy and Resource Flexibility. Chicago IL: Academy of Management.

Format: Conference proceeding

Type: Research — Non-experimental

Experience level of reader: Fundamental

Annotation: This study used hierarchical moderated regression tests on 120 surveys from product development managers. Findings revealed that successful product development execution requires both flexibility (project management autonomy and resource flexibility) and firmness (formal structure with rules and controls).

Setting(s) to which the reported activities/findings are relevant: Large business, Small business (less than 500 employees)

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

• Maintain project manager responsibility and discretion with development decisions and activities to have higher levels of execution success of product development projects.
  Survey of 120 development projects from 57 firms. Hierarchical regression test was positively significant, beta =.192 at p<=.05

• Keep to organizational rules, policies and procedures to have higher levels of execution success of product development projects.
  Survey of 120 development projects from 57 firms. Hierarchical regression was positively significant, beta = .240 at p<=.01.

Tip: Be flexible with managing resources to have higher levels of success with product development execution.
Survey of 120 development projects from 57 firms. Hierarchical regression was significant, beta = .179 at p<=.1
Occurrence of finding within the model: Step 4.10, Step 5.4, Step 4.7, Step 7.2, Step 6.4, Step 6.2