Exploring the Value-Enabling Capabilities in Cross-Functional Product Development: A Study on the Engine Development Process at Scania

Sammanfattning: Purpose – Efficient product development is suggested as the new frontier of the manufacturing industry. This thesis investigates the value-enabling capabilities of stakeholders during product development at Scania. The purpose is to investigate their expectations of the process output and to identify factors which can have a critical effect on their fulfilment. Target areas are engine assembly and engine repair & maintenance. Methodology – A qualitative approach was selected for the study, with an extensive data collection revolving around five key stakeholders, each bringing a unique perspective on the engine development process. Results – Throughout the study, 22 stakeholder expectations were identified relating to the two target areas, each with a defined value. Seven influential factors, controllable by project team members, and eight contextual factors, setting the project conditions, were also identified. These factors can affect the value creation and the extent to which stakeholder expectations are met during the process. Contribution – An understanding of stakeholders in the product development process is essential to benefit from their capabilities as value enablers and the results are intended to lay grounds for further research at Scania. Creating an awareness of expectations and the factors affecting their fulfilment can constitute a first step towards process improvement. Conclusions and recommendations – Throughout the study, it was confirmed that the value-enabling capabilities of the stakeholders are not fully exploited and the phenomenon can be explained by e.g. attitudes, individual priorities, communication or time management. Taking a more including approach towards these stakeholders can, together with awareness of influential and contextual factors, contribute to higher quality of the new product development process output.