CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR THE FUZZY FRONT END OF INNOVATION IN THE MEDICAL DEVICE INDUSTRY: A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

摘要

The purpose of this study is to identify industry-level new product development (NPD) critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the idea screening and project selection processes used by small-to-medium (SMB) medical device manufacturers. Understanding CSFs may assist managers in improving their processes to reduce the high NPD failure costs that are currently encountered during medical device development. Starting with a list of potential CSFs drawn from NPD literature and industry experience, a preliminary survey identified four (4) CSFs that may prove to be significant in the final research. The four potential CSFs are: ability to absorb lessons learned from project failure, use of effective idea prioritization methods, ability to clearly define ideas, and degree of openness during opportunity screening. A better understanding of front end CSFs may assist NPD managers to develop better criteria for selecting the right project mix and achieve higher levels of consistency in meeting project objectives.