A causal model of the impact of the “fuzzy front end” on thesuccess of new product development

In a study of New Product Development (NPD) projects, the fuzzy front end ofinnovation is explored. The New Product Development process is a multistageprocess. Therefore, the study examines two sorts of impact that the fuzzy front endhas on the success of New Product Development: a direct impact and an indirectimpact by influencing the next stage of the NPD process, i.e. project execution.Furthermore, the degree of newness of the NPD projects in accordance with thecontingency theory, is considered.We develop and test a causal model of relationships among key variables related tothe fuzzy front end, project execution, and success. The causal model is tested withAMOS using information from 144 completed projects from German measurementand control technique firms.For the most part, the responses from these firms support the hypothesizedrelationships. The frequently claimed importance of the fuzzy front end is confirmed.The results offer strong support for the importance of the early involvement of allfunctions in an NPD effort to enhance communication and...