Windows of opportunity: timing and entry strategies

Looks at the importance of product development in business and considers why, with so much attention being directed to process improvement, the success rate is still so low. Contends that while there are critical competences and a convergence towards a “best” process the problems often arise in the translation from the generic to the specific project. Identifies two new tools ‐ a time‐based approach to process mapping and the decision node analysis technique ‐ and suggests that these, together with a focus on risk management, can assist in developing a tailored approach to improving new product development.