Technology Use in the Virtual R&D Teams

Nader Ale Ebrahim

University of Malaya - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Shamsuddin Ahmed

University of Malaya (UM)

Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture

Zahari Taha

University Malaysia Pahang - Department of Manufacturing Engineering



American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 9-14, 2012

Abstract:
Problem statement: Although, literature proves the importance of the technology role in the effectiveness of virtual Research and Development (R&D) teams for new product development. However, the factors that make technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. The manager of virtual R&D teams for new product development does not know which type of technology should be used. Approach: To address the gap and answer the question, the study presents a set of factors that make a technology construct. The proposed construct modified by finding of the field survey (N = 240). We empirically examine the relationship between construct and its factors by employing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model built base on the 19 preliminary factors that extracted from literature review. The result shows 10 factors out of 19 factors maintaining to make technology construct. Results: These 10 technology factors can be grouped into two constructs namely Web base communication and Web base data sharing. The findings can help new product development managers of enterprises to concentrate in the main factors for leading an effective virtual R&D team. In addition, it provides a guideline for software developers as well. Conclusion: The second and third generation technologies are now more suitable for developing new products through virtual R&D teams.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 6

Keywords: Collaboration teams, questionnaires performance, cross-functional teams, product development, structural equation modeling, measurement model, literature review

JEL Classifications: L1,L11,L7, M11, M12, M1, M54, Q1, O1, O32, P42, P29, L17, Q31, Q32

Accepted Paper Series

Technology Use in the Virtual R&D Teams by Nader Ale Ebrahim, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Salwa Hanim Abdul Rashid, Zahari Taha :: SSRN