Rhythms of Learning -- Radical and Incremental Innovation Projects and Problem-solving in the Automotive Industry

Abstract

This article studies effects of knowledge articulation and knowledge codification on learning in radical and incremental New Product Development (NPD) projects. It presents results of a multiple longitudinal case study of four sequential car development projects. To gain in-depth insights, weekly meeting data were analyzed on project and problem-solving level. We contribute to organizational learning and problem-solving literatures by deriving propositions based on three rhythmic patterns identified. Firstly, effective project-to-project learning requires knowledge articulation and codification overlap and is moderated by project newness. Secondly, successful projects form a wave-shaped rhythm of knowledge articulation defined by changing amplitudes and frequencies. Hence, through effective learning, knowledge articulation follows a decaying oscillation. Thirdly, knowledge codification follows an s-shaped curve, reflecting phases of high and low knowledge codification. From a managerial perspective, our findings unveil the complex relationship between respective patterns and successful learning, helping managers to more precisely plan and monitor NPD.

Keywords: communication, new product development, (intra-) organizational learning, problem-solving, project-based learning, engineering artifacts