Synchronization in Product Development Projects: A Literature Study on Challenges and Practices

Product development projects face a high degree of complexity due to e.g. modular product portfolios, ambiguous goals, distributed teams and interdisciplinary work. This creates challenges in aligning and coordinating interdependent activities (synchronization). We present a literature study that summarizes challenges and practices. Further, we describe an approach for the selection of practices for a given set of challenges. The study helps researchers and practitioners to understand synchronization needs in product development projects, and we believe, advances synchronization efforts.     «

Product development projects face a high degree of complexity due to e.g. modular product portfolios, ambiguous goals, distributed teams and interdisciplinary work. This creates challenges in aligning and coordinating interdependent activities (synchronization). We present a literature study that summarizes challenges and practices. Further, we describe an approach for the selection of practices for a given set of challenges. The study helps researchers and practitioners to understand synchroniz...     »