MANAGING THE P SDI PROCESS - BEST-IN-CLASS PRINCIPLES AND LEADING PRACTICES/

In today's competitive, high technology markets where firms are faced with persistently falling margins, a well-managed Product/Service Deve lopment and Introduction (P/SDI) process is critical to success. This article begins by outlining the typical problems and issues faced by h igh technology firms in the management of their P/SDI processes. An in -depth best-in-class benchmarking exercise uncovered leading practices that have contributed to more 'efficient' and 'effective' P/SDI proce sses. Since these exact practices cannot be expected to perfectly matc h the needs of all high technology firms, best-in-class principles are developed which underlie and drive P/SDI success. Adherence to these principles is key for firms to decrease costs, increase revenue, and i mprove overall profitability associated with a more successfully manag ed P/SDI process.