Purpose -The objective of the research is to identify and analyse the main barriers to new product development within small manufacturing companies. Design/methodology/approach -The study has employed a longitudinal case-study methodology, which has focused on data gathering from three manufacturing companies that have undertaken new product development activities in-house. The detailed case-study material has been derived from project documentation and interviews with personnel at various technical and managerial levels. Findings -Three generic managerial issues that impinge on new product development are identified: the influence of a dominant owner/manager; a focus on time and cost ahead of other key factors; and a failure to understand the importance of product design. Research limitations/implications -Although the case studies are detailed, only three manufacturing companies are assessed. Future research should expand on the generic issues, increase the number of case-study companies, and ideally include an assessment of new product development within small companies from outside of the UK. Practical implications -In order to overcome some of the inevitable managerial limitations within small companies, new product development activities should seek to promote a more systematic approach to design. This may encompass formal design training for senior managers and the implementation of simple design tools, such as product design specifications. Originality/value -Barriers to and opportunities for new product development within small manufacturing companies are neglected areas in terms of detailed research studies. The issues highlighted in this paper will help to inform managers, practitioners and policy makers who are engaged in enhancing the competitive advantage of "traditional" manufacturing companies.
Issues of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) implementation have been extensively covered in the literature in regard to large companies; however, exclusive examination of the impact of AMT on small companies remains under researched. This examination of ten case study companies demonstrates the potential benefits of AMT use, as each of the companies achieved positive outcomes from AMT. However, the benefits achieved did not always meet the companies' expectations. Analysis of the experiences of the companies indicates the importance of considering the impact of AMT output on the manufacturing process, the levels of pre-existing AMT experience and the availability of external support mechanisms.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is widely gaining popularity as an alternative manufacturing technique for complex and customized parts. AM materials are used for various medical applications in both metal and polymer options. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence technology is a rapid, user-friendly method of quantifying surface cleanliness and was used in this study to gather quantitative data on levels of contamination on AM materials at three different stage processes: post build, post cleaning and post sterilization. The surface cleanliness of eleven AM materials, three metals and eight polymers, was tested. ATP bioluminescence provided the sensitivity to evaluate different material surface characteristics, and specifically the impact of surface finishing techniques on overall cleanliness.
Technology management maps have been developed to evaluate new product development (NPD) within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These maps provide a graphical 'footprint' of a company in terms of knowledge, resources, quality, and innovation & change. A series of 15 case-study companies highlight that the shape and extent of the technology management maps correlate well with the overall impact of the NPD activities. Implementation of an effective NPD process is the main distinguishing factor between the best-and worst-performing companies. The inherent benefits of designled technology are also encapsulated, specifically in the areas of resource savings and improved product quality.
The experimental study has assessed a novel membrane bioreactor for mammalian cell culture. In the absence of a gas phase, the key features of cell damage associated with laminar and turbulent flow have been identified. The bioreactor employs a dimpled membrane in order to enhance transverse mixing in a narrow channel, but a fall in viable cell density has been observed at Reynolds numbers above Re = 83. In the laminar flow regime wall shear is the critical mechanism and an accurate calculation of shear rate in a complex channel has been achieved using the Reynolds analogy. Flow generating a wall shear rate in excess of 3000 s(-1) has been shown to cause damage. Power dissipation measurements have been used to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow and also to predict Kolmogorov eddy lengths. An additional turbulent bulk stress damage mechanism at higher Reynolds numbers (Re > 250) results in a very rapid fall in viable cell density.
A novel membrane bioreactor, previously assessed for its gas transfer characteristics, was used in various size and membrane configurations for the growth of the strictly aerobic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bioreactor was found to readily support growth, and the initial growth rates showed the previously demonstrated enhanced effect in gas O2 mass transfer of the dimpled membrane bioreactor over flat membrane bioreactors. The production of a secondary metabolite by a Pseudomonas sp. following growth was demonstrated, as was the biotransformation of a nitrile by Nocardia rhodochrous with the removal of the biotransformation products across a membrane. The potential of the bioreactor, in terms of other applications in the field of biotechnology, is discussed.
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