A framework for product development performance metrics

This paper explores the question; "how do companies know that they are making effective use of their product design and development function?" Research carried out at the University of Nottingham over the last three years has led to the development of the Performance Measurement for Product Development (PMPD) methodology. This consists of a practical implementation framework and a workbook to enable managers to use performance measures to improve decision-making during the product development process. The investigative part of the research was carried out by following a longitudinal case study approach with sustained participation in the organisation. This was supplemented by follow-up cases, together with results from surveys to academics and industrialists (in the UK and overseas). Through analysis of this data it became clear that there are a number of principles surrounding performance measurement for product development. These were grouped into system-related and metrics-related principles. This paper documents the development of the PMPD Methodology and includes results from preliminary trials.