Product modularization in integrated supply chains : a product life-cycle phase specific concept for effect allocation

Purpose: Product modularization and supply chain integration have establishedthemselves as efficient methods for complexity management, but a holistic view oftheir effects has rarely been studied. For this reason, we demonstrate a conceptwhich presents these effects along the product life-cycle phases (PLCP) and the strategicsuccess factor (SSF): Methodology: We applied a systematic literature review and carried out 13 semistructuredexpert interviews to cover the perspective of science as well as practice.Using qualitative content analysis, the effects of product modularization in integratedsupply chains is elaborated. The effects were allocated to the appropriate PLCP and subsequently assigned to the affected SSF. Findings: We found positive and negative modularization effects in each phase of theproduct life-cycle: development, procurement, production, sales, and after-sales.Within the appropriate PLCP, the effects were allocated to the SSF: cost, time, quality,flexibility, and risk. Scientists as well as practitioners are aware of the positiveeffects of modularization. Negative effects are largely neglected in both perspectives. Originality: The developed concept provides a holistic view of product modularizationeffects under consideration of an integrated supply chain. Besides the PLCP specificeffects are assigned to the affected SSF. This enables a structured and categorizedassessment of modularization effects in integrated supply chains and revealshidden as well as undesirable side effects for science and practice.