SMEs; Virtual research and development (R&D) teams and new product development: A literature review

Article Number - B04951027773

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International Journal of Physical Sciences Vol.5(7) , pp. 916–930 , July 2010 ISSN 1992 - 1950 ©2010 Academic Journals

Review

SMEs; Virtual research and development (R&D) teams and new product development: A literature review

Nader Ale Ebrahim*, Shamsuddin Ahmed and Zahari Taha

Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.

Email: nader.ale.um@gmail.com
Accepted 10 June 2010

Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are indeed the engines of global economic growth. Their continued growth is a major subject for the economy and employment of any country. Towards that end, virtual research and development (R&D) could be a viable option to sustain and ease the operations of SMEs. However, literature shows there has not been a great deal of research into the diverse characteristic of virtual R&D teams in SMEs. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on different aspects of virtual R&D teams collected from the reputed publications. The purpose of the literature review is to provide an outline on the structure and dynamics of R&D collaboration in SMEs. Specifying the rationale and relevance of virtual teams, the relationship between virtual R&D team for SMEs and new product development (NPD) has been examined. It concludes with identifying the gaps and feebleness in the existing literatures and calls for future research in this area. It is argued to form of virtual R&D team deserves consideration at top level management for venturing into the new product development within SMEs.

 

Key words: Virtual teams, small and medium enterprises, new product development, R&D.

International Journal of Physical Sciences - smes; virtual research and development (r&d) teams and new product development: a literature review