Optimal Introduction Timing Policy for a Successive Generational Product

Abstract

Globalized economy has led firms to introduce new innovations in the market quite frequently. Optimal Introduction time is an important strategic decision for firms because an early introduction may not take off as customers; channel members and other required partners might not be receptive enough, on the other hand too late an entry results in loss of opportunity for the firm. The decision is even more critical when introducing successive generations over time. In this study, the authors have developed an analytical approach to help decide the optimal introduction time for successive generational product. The timing decision depends on whether firms push the product to market before competitors or invest more time in process & product design and improvement. The authors have examined the case where a firm introduces successive generations of a durable product for which demand is characterized by an innovation diffusion process. Results are supplemented by a numerical example.