Virtual Design, Problem Framing, and Innovation: An Empirical Study in the Automotive Industry

Abstract

This paper studies how problem framing by research and development groups, in particular the extent of problem decomposition, impacts knowledge replication processes conducted through the use of virtual simulation tools (VSTs). It presents the results of a comparative study of two research and development groups working on the design of hybrid propulsion systems. The research contributes to the literature on strategy and innovation in four ways. First, we identify three organizational and strategic factors affecting the problem framing decision. Second, we analyse the impact of problem framing on the use of VSTs and the related effect on knowledge replication processes. Third, we show the emergence of a new VST-driven knowledge replication process, i.e. functional replication. Fourth, we explain how VST‐driven knowledge replication processes can attenuate the dangers related to the adoption of modular design strategies and address the replication vs. imitation dilemma.

Retracted: Knowledge Sourcing and Knowledge Reuse in the Virtual Product Prototyping: An Exploratory Study in a Large Automotive Supplier of R&D

“…Finally, this study has shed light on how knowledge repositories are being used as a support to virtual simulation technologies in the product prototype development process, and specifically a virtual vehicle prototype. The understanding of knowledge‐related activities during the virtual product prototyping is limited in management and information systems studies (Vaccaro et al ., ), thus with the current study we believe we have extended such literature.…”

Problem solving in MNCs: How local and global solutions are (and are not) created

“…Framing non-routine problems Once a non-routine event is experienced, subsidiary managers have to frame the non-routine problem: to understand and define its nature, scope and boundaries by building a conceptual interpretation (Baer, Dirks, & Nickerson, 2012;Cowan, 1990;Lyles, 1981;Lyles & Mitroff, 1980;Smith, 1988Smith, , 1989Vaccaro, Brusoni, & Veloso, 2011). Initially, because of the ambiguities, complexities and ill-structured nature of problems (Simon, 1973), it can be difficult to comprehend them accurately, or to initiate appropriate actions to stimulate the development of solutions.…”

Knowledge sourcing and knowledge reuse in the virtual product prototyping: an exploratory study in a large automotive supplier of R&D

“…We have shed light on the knowledge-related activities in the NPD process and more specifically in the virtual product prototyping advancing the management and information systems literatures (Vaccaro et al, 2011;Yu et al, 2014). We have shed light on the knowledge-related activities in the NPD process and more specifically in the virtual product prototyping advancing the management and information systems literatures (Vaccaro et al, 2011;Yu et al, 2014).…”