Problem statement: Although, literature proves the importance of the technology role in the effectiveness of virtual Research and Development (R&D) teams for new product development. However, the factors that make technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. The manager of virtual R&D teams for new product development does not know which type of technology should be used. Approach: To address the gap and answer the question, the study presents a set of factors that make a technology construct. The proposed construct modified by finding of the field survey (N = 240). We empirically examine the relationship between construct and its factors by employing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model built base on the 19 preliminary factors that extracted from literature review. The result shows 10 factors out of 19 factors maintaining to make technology construct. Results: These 10 technology factors can be grouped into two constructs namely Web base communication and Web base data sharing. The findings can help new product development managers of enterprises to concentrate in the main factors for leading an effective virtual R&D team. In addition, it provides a guideline for software developers as well. Conclusion: The second and third generation technologies are now more suitable for developing new products through virtual R&D teams.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Research Methodology and Data Collection
4. Analysis and Results
5. Discussion on Verified Model
6. Conclusions
7. References
Research Objectives and Key Themes
The primary objective of this study is to identify and validate the key technological factors that constitute an effective "technology construct" for virtual R&D teams involved in new product development (NPD), addressing the current ambiguity regarding which specific tools managers should prioritize.
- Identification of 19 preliminary technological factors through comprehensive literature review.
- Empirical validation using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on a survey of 240 enterprises.
- Classification of technological tools into two distinct constructs: Web-based communication and Web-based data sharing.
- Development of a measurement model to guide NPD managers and software developers in infrastructure investment.
Excerpt from the Book
2 Literature Review
Virtual teams use digital communications, video and audio links, electronic whiteboards, e-mails, instant messaging, websites, chat rooms, etc. as substitutes for physical collocation of the team members (Baskerville and Nandhakumar, 2007, Pauleen and Yoong, 2001). Simple transmission of information from location A to another location B is not enough. However, a virtual environment presents significant challenges to effective communication (Walvoord et al., 2008). Being equipped with even the most advanced technologies is not necessarily sufficient to make a virtual team effective, since the internal group dynamics and external support mechanisms must also be present for a team to succeed in the virtual world (Lurey and Raisinghani, 2001).
Virtual teams are technology-mediated groups of people from different disciplines that work on common tasks (Dekker et al., 2008) and therefore, the way the information technology is implemented seems to make the virtual teams outcome more or less likely (Anderson et al., 2007). The virtual R&D team’s instructor should choose the appropriate technology based on the purpose of the team (Ale Ebrahim et al., 2009d).
The factors which make technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still not clearly set in the literature. We extracted 19 important factors related to the technology construct, based on a comprehensive review on technology view in the virtual R&D team working. Table 1 summarizes the factors and their supported references. E-mails and conference calls are generally known as first generation technologies whereas online discussion boards, Power Point presentations, video tools and online meeting tools are second-generation technologies. Third generation technology refers typically to web-enabled shared workspaces with the Intranet or Internet (Lee-Kelley and Sankey, 2008).
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Defines virtual R&D teams and highlights the growing necessity for these teams in global product development despite the lack of clear guidelines on optimal technology usage.
2. Literature Review: Examines existing definitions and challenges of virtual environments while identifying 19 potential technological factors categorized into three generations of tools.
3. Research Methodology and Data Collection: Details the quantitative approach using a Web-based survey of 240 manufacturing enterprises to gather data for building a measurement model.
4. Analysis and Results: Employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate the measurement model, refining the 19 factors down to a fit-tested set.
5. Discussion on Verified Model: Interprets the findings by grouping the successful factors into two core constructs: Web-based communications and Web-based data sharing.
6. Conclusions: Summarizes the research impact, suggesting that managers prioritize second and third-generation technologies to enhance virtual R&D team effectiveness.
7. References: Provides a comprehensive list of scholarly sources utilized to support the study's framework and findings.
Keywords
Virtual R&D teams, new product development, Structural Equation Modeling, technology construct, web-based communication, web-based data sharing, virtual teams, information technology, collaborative tools, confirmatory factor analysis, manufacturing enterprises, team effectiveness, measurement model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper focuses on identifying the specific technological factors that create an effective "technology construct" for virtual Research and Development (R&D) teams in the context of new product development.
Why is this study necessary for R&D managers?
Managers often face ambiguity regarding which technologies are most effective; this study provides an empirically validated guideline to help them concentrate on the most impactful tools.
What is the central research question?
The research addresses the gap in existing literature regarding which specific types of technology should be used to support virtual R&D teams effectively.
What scientific method was utilized?
The researchers conducted a Web-based survey of 240 enterprises and employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test and validate the measurement model of technological factors.
How are the technological tools classified in the final model?
The study classifies the validated tools into two primary categories: Web-based communication and Web-based data sharing.
What are the key characteristics of the study's keywords?
The keywords highlight the intersection of technical infrastructure (information technology, web-based tools) and organizational behavior (virtual teams, collaboration, effectiveness) within product development.
What constitutes "third generation" technology according to the paper?
Third generation technology typically refers to web-enabled shared workspaces that utilize the Intranet or Internet for collaborative purposes.
Which specific statistical indicators were used to assess the model's fit?
The study used indices such as CMIN/DF, RMSEA, RMR, GFI, NFI, and CFI to confirm the validity and reliability of the proposed measurement model.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Nader Ale Ebrahim (Autor:in), Ahmed Shamsuddin (Autor:in), Rashid Salwa Hanim Abdul (Autor:in), Taba Zahari (Autor:in), 2012, Technology Use in the Virtual R&D Teams, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/190699
