Hypericum is a most useful and versatile cut flower which within the last ten years has gained significant economic importance, recently having been included in the top fifty cut flowers on the Dutch Auctions. This study has investigated the cultural requirements of the crop, focusing on the following; propagation, insect and disease control, fertilisation, crop manipulation, marketing of the finished product, business theory and the interpretation of business theory. Propagation and multiplication techniques were investigated in order to reduce the reliance of external seedling growers and in so doing reducing the start up costs ofthe project. Insect and disease control were investigated as the import requirements for many countries are stringent. Contamination of the finished product results in the cargo being rejected at the port of entry. Insect and disease infestation reduce the quality and subsequently the return that is generated from the project. Fertilisation plays an important role in producing high quality sterns. Failure to fertilise the crop at the correct stage results in quality degradation, or additional expenditure on labour to groom the plants. Crop manipulation was investigated for the purpose of supplying crop into the market place on a sustained basis, ensuring optimal utilisation of resources whilst building customer loyalty. Product marketing plays an integral role in determining the success of a venture. Markets were evaluated in order to determine which markets would yield the greatest return on investment. Chapter three deals with various business theories that may be applied to the data and observations. Chapter four integrates business theory with the data and observations in an attempt to gain a meaningful picture of the economic potential of this proposed venture. The last chapter deals with a proposed strategy that the company should follow, having evaluated and integrated the business theory, data and observations. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This thesis reports on the associations between a variety of factors related to the adoption and use of 76 well-known new product development (NPD) tools on NPD performance at the project level in small high technology firms. The specific factors of interest are determinants of tool adoption, tool diffusion, thoroughness of use, flexibility of use, tool adaptation, user familiarity with tools, and tool satisfaction. An invitation-only online survey was administered to 99 organisations fitting the criteria of this study to determine patterns of tool adoption and use. A variety of inferential statistical techniques was used to analyse the data. The results show lesser tool adoption patterns in comparison with larger firms elsewhere, with the majority of tools not used to their full potential. It furthermore provides useful insights into usage and performance attributes of tools, individually and collectively. Of significance is that a greater uptake of tools may not necessarily lead to increased NPD performance; instead, it is the degree of thoroughness of implementation that shows a direct association with performance improvements. The survey findings were followed up with in-depth case studies of five firms to investigate and explain observed phenomena, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of tool practices at the project level. The results show that practitioners’ tool needs change during the life of a project and become more sophisticated as the firm matures. They also explain why some tools are thoroughly used, and others not. The findings of this research have implications for both theory and practice. Theoretically, this study introduces different models and categories of tools and explains how their use can achieve a better overall understanding of tool application. Practically, the results provide managers and practitioners with several useful tool guides, benchmarking tables and models to aid in the selection and use of tools in NPD projects of any type.

The organization I work in has 13 subsidiary businesses operating in the branded footwear and apparel industry. The industry currently faces significant macroeconomic and industry challenges. One of our biggest challenges is how to avoid excessive and wasteful new product development whilst still building an attractive range of products for the customer. So the focus of my research is on the management control and governance of the New Product Development (NPD) process to solve a pressing business problem. However, there is a gap in the literature. Many authors have claimed that our knowledge of the governance of NPD processes is incomplete and there is a dearth of actual studies in this area. My literature review looked at management control and in particular at the enduring problem of the need to generate control without stifling creativity. The literature led me to focus on the use of feedforward controls to influence NPD management teams to improve portfolio value and strategic alignment whilst simultaneously encouraging NPD experimentation. During this research I developed the concept of Feedforward Anticipatory Control (FAC), which encompasses the combination of feedforward control and double-loop learning. From this start my research question became “How does the use of FAC influence NPD management teams to improve portfolio value and strategic alignment?” From theory and my initial case study research I developed, tested and refined a tool for ascertaining the level of FAC sophistication in use by NPD teams in their development process. The tool was then used in action research interventions to help the teams develop their sophistication in the use of FAC. The tool was found to be useable, useful and have value. The action research case studies were embedded in a case study protocol to ensure the rigour of my research. This involved developing a framework to investigate the consequences of my interventions, in terms of both hard performance metrics and softer team perceptions. The contribution is in the use of management controls in NPD. The findings show that different levels of FAC sophistication can be applied in NPD and that the use of higher levels of FAC influences NPD teams to improve portfolio value and strategic alignment. The contribution to practice is an intervention “toolkit” that can influence NPD teams to develop higher levels of FAC sophistication and generate improvements in NPD portfolio performance.

A system has been developed and is being used at H. M. -Ltd. for estimating the labour and overhead costs of components manufactured by a wide variety of production processes. The system uses multiple linear regression analysis to develop estimating equations that quantitatively measure the relationship between the production time of a component and the factors that influence this time. Production times can then be converted to cost using appropriate labour and overhead cost rates. The system uses design features only for predictor variables in the estimating equations. Hence designers with little concept of manufacturing methods can use the system to cost designs as they evolve. This feature therefore provides designers with a powerful cost optimization tool. The manufacturing time data used to develop estimating equations represents current operating conditions at Herbert Morris Ltd. Hence the estimated times can be used directly as standard times for the planning and control of manufacturing. In this way manufacturing costs will be directly linked to the design features of a product. Software has been developed to allow a computer to retrieve appropriate equations and compute the production times and costs of components. This software could form the basis for a larger system that also generates producibility data for designers. A method of allowing designers to estimate the development times for individual components and assemblies has been developed. This facility enables the design process to be scheduled such that the overall new product development time could be minimized. An important element of this scheduling method is the ability to allocate resources between components to be designed on the basis of relative cost and importance to. the overall success of the project.

Many innovations fail on the market. Non-adoption and slow diffusion represent a high risk for companies in technology-intensive industries when looking to innovate, develop, market and launch a new technology. Its diffusion in the market is a major challenge for marketing. The consequence of a failed market introduction can be financial and reputational loss. Diffusion of innovation research shows a short-coming of researching barriers and challenges which prevent new technologies from being successful. This research sheds some light in the diversity, importance and existence of barriers for the diffusion of innovation. The originality of this investigation is a mixed-methods approach to explore barriers and challenges for the diffusion of innovation. An exploratory qualitative research is performed on the unique case of digital radio diffusion in Germany. Barriers evolve by this method in addition to barriers, which so far are described in a theoretical framework. These barriers are researched empirically via an international survey with close to one thousand participants representing experienced practitioners in marketing and sales positions from different industries. Various research findings are presented. The evolving barriers are researched and show circumstances of today, such as the dominance of internet, environmental awareness or the importance of inter-industrial collaboration. Additionally, diffusion barriers from a theoretical framework are tested with empirical data. Findings are presented as evidence for diffusion barriers and their importance for the specific example of digital radio is explained. Furthermore, barriers are also generalized for different technology-intensive industries. The existence of barriers is confirmed by empirical data and patterns of variations are outlined. Validity is achieved via triangulation of methodologies and supporting literature. The findings are presented to extend the theoretical framework and to close a gap in diffusion of innovation theory. The research contributes in very different ways to existing knowledge. Apart from the theoretical contributions, methodological and practical contributions are also made. With quantitative research, the sampling strategy for an online questionnaire considers the benefits of professional social networks on a global level to contribute empirical data to a theoretical framework. The practical contribution is directed to industry stakeholders and practitioners such as in marketing. The research findings result in a framework of barriers and supporting illustrations for technology-intensive industries. Practitioners can benefit from the illustrations for strategic decision-making in business development, product and general management, marketing and sales.

Este trabalho trata dos métodos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos e serviços em startups digitais. Seu objetivo é explorar a prática atual das startups digitais, buscando um melhor entendimento de quais processos e práticas são utilizados, como eles são escolhidos e qual a percepção das startups sobre a adequação destes métodos no desenvolvimento de seus produtos e serviços. Para atingir este objetivo foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, através de entrevistas em profundidade. O roteiro de entrevista foi criado a partir do estudo de processos clássicos, como o Stage-gate, e de processos emergentes, como o Lean Startup e o Design Thinking. Para este trabalho foram entrevistadas 10 startups e as entrevistas foram analisadas quanto ao seu conteúdo, através da análise temática. A análise é apresentada a partir de três grandes temas: processos e práticas em uso; influências e critérios para seleção de processos e práticas; e a percepção dos entrevistados sobre a adequação destes processos e práticas. Como resultados, identificou-se que as startups não seguem nenhum processo específico de forma completa, mas criam um método de trabalho a partir da adaptação de diversas influências, sendo que o processo de maior influência é o Lean Startup. O desenvolvimento dos produtos segue uma abordagem iterativa, adaptativa e centrada no usuário. O método de trabalho é considerado adequado e diretamente vinculado aos resultados, sendo que o desenvolvimento iterativo e centrado no usuário é considerado necessário para o tipo de negócio de uma startup digital. / This study is concerned with the methods for New Product and Services Development in digital startups. Its purpose is to explore current practice of digital startups to develop a better understanding of what processes and practices are used, how they are chosen and how startups perceive the suitability of these methods. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research was carried out, through in-depth interviews supported by a semi-structured interview guide. The guide was based on the study of classic processes, such as the Stage-gate, and emerging processes, such as Lean Startup and Design Thinking. Ten startups were interviewed. The results of the interviews were analysed for their content, using thematic analysis approach. The final analysis is based on three main themes: processes and practices in use, influences and criteria for process and practice selection, and interviewees' perception of the adequacy of processes and practices. It was identified that the startups do not adopt any specific process completely, but rather create a work method from the adaptation of several influences. The most influential process is Lean Startup. The work processes follow an iterative, adaptive and user-centric approach. The work method is considered adequate and directly linked to the results, and the user-centered and iterative development is considered necessary for the context of a digital startup.

Este trabalho trata dos métodos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos e serviços em startups digitais. Seu objetivo é explorar a prática atual das startups digitais, buscando um melhor entendimento de quais processos e práticas são utilizados, como eles são escolhidos e qual a percepção das startups sobre a adequação destes métodos no desenvolvimento de seus produtos e serviços. Para atingir este objetivo foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, através de entrevistas em profundidade. O roteiro de entrevista foi criado a partir do estudo de processos clássicos, como o Stage-gate, e de processos emergentes, como o Lean Startup e o Design Thinking. Para este trabalho foram entrevistadas 10 startups e as entrevistas foram analisadas quanto ao seu conteúdo, através da análise temática. A análise é apresentada a partir de três grandes temas: processos e práticas em uso; influências e critérios para seleção de processos e práticas; e a percepção dos entrevistados sobre a adequação destes processos e práticas. Como resultados, identificou-se que as startups não seguem nenhum processo específico de forma completa, mas criam um método de trabalho a partir da adaptação de diversas influências, sendo que o processo de maior influência é o Lean Startup. O desenvolvimento dos produtos segue uma abordagem iterativa, adaptativa e centrada no usuário. O método de trabalho é considerado adequado e diretamente vinculado aos resultados, sendo que o desenvolvimento iterativo e centrado no usuário é considerado necessário para o tipo de negócio de uma startup digital. / This study is concerned with the methods for New Product and Services Development in digital startups. Its purpose is to explore current practice of digital startups to develop a better understanding of what processes and practices are used, how they are chosen and how startups perceive the suitability of these methods. To achieve this goal, a qualitative research was carried out, through in-depth interviews supported by a semi-structured interview guide. The guide was based on the study of classic processes, such as the Stage-gate, and emerging processes, such as Lean Startup and Design Thinking. Ten startups were interviewed. The results of the interviews were analysed for their content, using thematic analysis approach. The final analysis is based on three main themes: processes and practices in use, influences and criteria for process and practice selection, and interviewees' perception of the adequacy of processes and practices. It was identified that the startups do not adopt any specific process completely, but rather create a work method from the adaptation of several influences. The most influential process is Lean Startup. The work processes follow an iterative, adaptive and user-centric approach. The work method is considered adequate and directly linked to the results, and the user-centered and iterative development is considered necessary for the context of a digital startup.

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Background: To stay competitive and efficient on a global market, firms have to generate new products and service ideas using closed or open innovation processes. Open innovation activities emerge from both internal and external innovative resources and while SMEs could and do adopt a variation of innovation models, they tend to adopt open innovation activities. Collaboration is one of the most important factors of open innovation and SMEs collaborate to enhance their internal innovation activities and outcomes, as it provides them access to complementary assets and technologically knowledge. However, the literature is not clear as to how SME decide on prospect partners." Purpose:The overall purpose of this thesis is to map the structure of the decision-making process of SMEs regarding partner selection at the early stage of technology exploration (R&D stage) within open innovation and new product development. Method:The approach of this study is a qualitative research method with an abductive inspired research approach. The data are collected through interview study. A Theory Driven Thematic Analysis technique is used to analyse the data. The respondents are found by nonprobability sampling in form of purposive sampling. Findings:Our findings show that SMEs managers, R&D managers, and CEOs who participated within this research consider many practical factors that drive their decision making process regarding partner selection. The main goal they try to achieve when choosing partners is to build collaborations with: the highest quality of outcomes, most cost-effective activities, and most time-effective processes. Conclusion:SMEs, within our sample, do not follow a specific or pre-written strategies when choosing partners. Moreover, SMEs managers prefer to innovate internally without collaborations if they had the needed resources. If SMEs manager had to collaborate, they search for existing partners. However, if they had no existing partners to fulfil the needed resources, they search for new partners

Given the severe global competition and the manufacturing challenges, retaining competitiveness in the textile and apparel (T&A) industries has become crucial for manufacturers. To achieve this, although historically manufacturers have been regarded as mainly production orientated, a number of them have occupied a primary intermediary position by applying the mechanisms of industrial upgrading and instituting new product development (NPD) in their businesses together with the synergy of alliances and networks. This has enabled the manufacturers to provide various products and services to international buyers. The Taiwanese T&A manufacturers can serve as a good example. They have managed to retain their competitiveness in the global industry for the last half century by continuously evolving their businesses and acquiring extensive capabilities. To achieve competitiveness in the T&A sectors, strategic planning that can lead to competitive advantages is required. NPD has emerged as a source of business competitiveness and its success determinants can lead to competitive advantages. Supply management, particularly partnering relationships, is crucial to manufacturers’ competitive advantage, since no single firm can possess all the necessary resources and capabilities. Against this background, this study has constructed a research framework, in line with the resource-based view (RBV) and transaction cost theory (TCT), in order to explore how competitive advantages can be achieved, which can lead to manufacturers’ competitiveness. An in-depth case study of a representative Taiwanese manufacturer has been employed and examined. The selected Taiwanese T&A manufacturer has acquired resources, various (dynamic) capabilities and knowledge through its NPD process, resulting in core competences and sources for competitive advantages. It has become a lead firm in its supply chain/network, deploying a variety of partnering relationships in order to conduct NPD activities strategically, and has vertically integrated T&A NPD. This has allowed it to provide an increasing variety of new products and services, in order to serve a wider range of customers, thus continuously acquiring business opportunities in dynamic markets. This study has found that the manufacturers in the T&A industries can adopt more proactive strategic modes in NPD activities, to enhance NPD outcomes and their relationships with buyers. It is important for manufacturers to acquire crucial and complementary resources/capabilities through strategic networks, developing alliances to strategically plan and implement NPD. Operational relationships need not only to be viewed in relation to their immediate cost reduction benefits, but also to be extended to longer-term collaborations, in order to achieve competitive advantage deriving from evolving products and cost benefits based on a holistic and strategic view of the business.