Methodology and Operationalisation

This chapter describes the methodology and operationalisation of the present research. First, it is explained why case studies are the appropriate research method for the subject of Integrated Product Development. Then, the research domain is presented, i.e. “state-of-the-art” and “starter” companies, where interviews, observations, document studies and “consensual validation” are the chosen means of data collection. Next, the operational measures used in the case studies are given. We describe how the state of co-ordination and process overlap, the communication and collaboration processes, and the integration mechanisms within a company are measured. Finally, the format is described of the case studies presented in Chapters 5, 6 and 7.