NPD Projects Simulation Model Incorporating Managerial Aspects Using System Dynamics Approach

Abstract

This work develops a system dynamic model for the NPD work system, focusing on the impact of managerial variables such as, managerial flexibility, feedback, autonomy, and Professionalism on the decision process of updating the NPD projects to cope with market uncertainties. Therefore, this model can be used as a “flight simulator” in managerial training to test the ability of different managerial systems to mitigate projects' probability of failure. As a result, this research serves to help project managers in improving the performance of the NPD projects by understanding how the NPD work system is better designed. Furthermore, the model can assist the managers of NPD projects to understand the dynamic interactions among the different elements in the NPD work system and feedback dynamics during the adjustment of accomplished tasks in response to market changes. Also, the integrative nature of the model allows illustration of the interactions between NPD project elements and macroergonomic elements, which is consistent with the cross-functional nature of NPD projects.